"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit: and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." (Ephesians 6:18) Therefore, pray in both the good times as well as those times where blessings -- at least from our limited human perspective -- are not necessarily apparent.
To illustrate His point, Jesus shared a parable about a city judge who did not fear God. Note that among His audience were those who trusted themselves to be righteous. Indeed, as the scriptures stated their hearts were not focussed on God because they despised others. "The city judge," Jesus said, "had little regard even for men."
Along came a widow who came unto the judge. She said, "Avenge me of mine adversary." At the beginning, the judge did not immediately respond to the woman's request. The scriptures say this went on "for a while." But afterward the judge said within himself -- to himself. "Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me."
In other words, even though this judge was by this account not a believer in the same Lord God -- who later would become our Saviour -and his motives were not altruistic as we would suggest today - the judge still found a reason to exact a form of satisfaction that would free the woman from her situation. Albeit, admittedly, his motives were completely selfish on his part.
Still, Jesus -- in sharing the parable -- was making a point. He said, "Hear what the unjust judge said?" If an unjust judge focussed solely on his own selfish motives can treat a widow with some kindness, how much more will our Lord God and Saviour provide for you and I if we pray in faith. Our God who holds the universe in the palm of His hands and yet, knows intimately the innermost desires of our hearts.
As Jesus said, "Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily." Why? Because God loves His children. In fact, He loved you and I enough to shed His precious blood on the cross for our transgressions.
Further, in relation to trials and tribulations, Luke encourages believers in Jesus to "watch therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." (Luke 21:36)
Throughout our lives, be prepared to pray at any given moment. Not in repetition or in saying alms as the religious do. But rather, in earnest like the widow who only said five words. Give thanks for the Lord's goodness.
And like David the psalmist, "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord -- He is God. It is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves. We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good. His mercy is everlasting and His truth endureth to all generations." (Psalm 100) Stand in the offering plate.
Along came a widow who came unto the judge. She said, "Avenge me of mine adversary." At the beginning, the judge did not immediately respond to the woman's request. The scriptures say this went on "for a while." But afterward the judge said within himself -- to himself. "Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me."
In other words, even though this judge was by this account not a believer in the same Lord God -- who later would become our Saviour -and his motives were not altruistic as we would suggest today - the judge still found a reason to exact a form of satisfaction that would free the woman from her situation. Albeit, admittedly, his motives were completely selfish on his part.
Still, Jesus -- in sharing the parable -- was making a point. He said, "Hear what the unjust judge said?" If an unjust judge focussed solely on his own selfish motives can treat a widow with some kindness, how much more will our Lord God and Saviour provide for you and I if we pray in faith. Our God who holds the universe in the palm of His hands and yet, knows intimately the innermost desires of our hearts.
As Jesus said, "Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily." Why? Because God loves His children. In fact, He loved you and I enough to shed His precious blood on the cross for our transgressions.
Wherefore, pray always "that our God would count you worthy of this calling and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power -- that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you and you in Him -- according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 1:11-12)
Further, in relation to trials and tribulations, Luke encourages believers in Jesus to "watch therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." (Luke 21:36)
Throughout our lives, be prepared to pray at any given moment. Not in repetition or in saying alms as the religious do. But rather, in earnest like the widow who only said five words. Give thanks for the Lord's goodness.
And like David the psalmist, "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord -- He is God. It is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves. We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good. His mercy is everlasting and His truth endureth to all generations." (Psalm 100) Stand in the offering plate.
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