PRAY AND DON'T FAINT

I am reading the New Testament right now. Luke is my favorite of the gospels because he seems to be more sensitive to women and chronicling the parables of Jesus concerning women. Last night I read a parable in Luke chapter 18 that I don’t think we talk about very much. Because I keep a scripture journal with my thoughts on significant scriptures to me I wanted to put down my feelings about this:


1. And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; (OK we have heard this before at least the "pray always" part but what does it mean "not to faint?")


2. Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: (Not a judge we want to be in charge of our fate.)


3. And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. (I suspect there might be a better translation for the word "avenge." The NIV bible says "Grant me justice against my adversary.")

4. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
5. Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. (I guess even the insensitive have a point where they become weak and yeilding.)
6. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. (I think Jesus is saying make a comparison here and see if this unjust judge who feels no constraint for right or wrong is compelled by persistence to deal justly with a helpless individual, how much more will God answer prayer.)


7. And shall not God avenge (answer) his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? (I love the image of Him bearing long with us knowing that we will "learn obedience from the things we suffer." [Hebrews 5:8] Do we need to show God that we do not take our request lightly by not giving up when we feel our prayer is just?)

8. I tell you that he will (answer) them speedily. (Maybe speedily when we have paid the persistent price. I think a "broken heart and a contrite spirit" (3N.9:20) must be shown.) Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? (This question haunts me. Will he find faith in me? Faith that doesn’t "faint"—that continues to plead in faith and hope?)


Oh, this is so hard to do in the world with so many distractions. Why do we give up easily when we pray for things that are good? There could be lots of answers here but I am hoping this parable will give me hope to carry on and not faint in my worthy prayers.