Lent 2025 School of Prayer

Day 9: Praying with Persistence

We read in the Gospel: “Jesus then used a parable to teach his disciples to never give up and to always pray.” — Luke 18:1

Prayer is a way of life, not just a moment. Jesus encourages us to pray consistently. Doing so increases our trust and strengthens our faith. It is not because God is hesitant to answer. In the Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1–8), a widow repeatedly begs a judge. She continues to do this until he ultimately gives her justice. Jesus uses this parable to show us how much more our loving Father will respond to our persistence. If an unjust judge responds to persistence, then our Father certainly will.

Still, praying consistently isn’t meant to wear God down. It’s about remaining in touch with Him even when things seem to be taking a while. God’s timeline occasionally differs from ours. He occasionally responds with “wait” or “I have something better.” However, He never fails to listen, care, and react with love.

Consider a prayer you have become tired of saying today. Bring it to God once more rather than giving up. Even when you can’t see anything, have faith that He is working.

Reflection: Have you stopped asking God for something in prayer? How can you reaffirm your commitment to prayer while having faith in His perfect timing?

Fast & Giving: Fast from impatience. Pray for someone you find difficult to love.