What Jesus Did! 'Keep Praying!' — Luke 18:1-7

Thursday, October 19, 2023

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One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. "There was a judge in a certain city," he said, "who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, 'Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.' The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, 'I don't fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I'm going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!'"

Then the Lord said, "Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?"

— Luke 18:1-7 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus' point is that if an evil and unrighteous judge will eventually give in to get a complaining and persistent but powerless woman off his back, then we can surely count on God — who loves us dearly — to hear us and respond in ways that are for our best good. So we need to keep praying — and never give up — for God will hear and respond.

Today's Prayer

Almighty and eternal Father, God Almighty, please hear the things on my heart today. There are a number of things that trouble me. Please hear my requests and do what is best in each situation. (Share with the Lord the things that trouble your heart.) Father, I am concerned about several people who are facing really challenging times. Please bless each of them with what they most need as I bring each name before you. (Place the names of those for whom you have a concern before the Lord.) Thank you for hearing me and working in the situations I have placed before you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 5:1-5
  • Romans 8:26-28
  • Matthew 6:5-6

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 18:1-7 NLT — "There was a judge in a certain city,"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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