I would say that persistence has never been one of my strengths. I have a tendency to give up way too easily. That tendency is not a helpful one to have when it comes to prayer. Luke 18 makes it very clear that persistence is a much needed characteristic for prayer. This is first seen in Jesus' teaching. Jesus tells the parable of the widow and the corrupt judge to remind his disciples that they should pray and not give up. Jesus says that when we pray with persistence God will answer in speedy fashion. The truth of this statement is revealed later in the chapter. A blind man sits on the road as Jesus passes by. Hearing that it is Jesus who is coming, the blind man recognizes his one chance for healing. He shouts to Jesus asking to be delivered from his blindness. This bothers the crowd and they tell the man to be quiet. But he will not be quiet. He persists in his request, getting even louder. And as the man persists, Jesus hears and the man's prayers are answered.
Prayer is not a sprint. It is more of a marathon. And we need to pray for the long haul. I want to gain more endurance in prayer.
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