Perseverance in Prayer
Reading: Luke 18:1-8 (Year C, 2025)
As we approach the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Gospel from Luke 18:1-8 invites us to reflect on persistent prayer, faith, and perseverance. In this passage, Jesus shares the parable of the persistent widow to teach us how to approach God with unwavering trust.
Perseverance in Prayer
Jesus tells His disciples:
“There was a judge in a certain town who had neither fear of God nor respect for any human person. In the same town there was a widow who kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice against my opponent.’ For a long time he refused. But at last he said to himself, ‘Even though I have neither fear of God nor respect for any human person, I must grant this widow justice, or she will finally come and strike me.’”
This story challenges us to pray continually and never lose heart, especially when God’s timing seems delayed. The widow’s persistence is a model of faith: she continues to trust, even when the answer is not immediate. Jesus then asks, “Will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night? I promise, He will do so speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”
Faith During Delays
What strikes me is the emphasis on praying during delays. It’s easy to be faithful when everything aligns with our expectations, but true faith shows itself when perseverance is required. Like the widow, we are called to trust God even when the answer is slow in coming, knowing that His timing is perfect.
I reflect personally on how often I feel impatient or even inconvenienced by the needs of others. Yet, this Gospel reminds me to respond faithfully, even when it disrupts my comfort or schedule. Persistence in prayer is more than repetition—it is an active, conscious reliance on God.
Practical Ways to Cultivate Perseverance
One way I cultivate this perseverance is by creating small cues in daily life for prayer. For instance, when I start my car, I dedicate the journey to God before turning on the radio. These moments of intentionality help me maintain a continuous conversation with the Lord and develop discipline in prayer.
I also recall the encouragement of Father Tom O’Hara, who once told me during a challenging time, “Marvelous… that means you’ll have to pray harder.” His words remind me that difficulties are opportunities to deepen faith, not reasons to give up.
Faith, Trust, and God’s Presence
This Gospel invites us to examine:
- Am I persevering in prayer when answers seem delayed?
- Do I trust God’s timing and wisdom, even when challenges arise?
- How can I maintain faithfulness in my daily life, despite distractions or inconveniences?
Persistent prayer is not just a practice—it is a testament to the strength of our faith and our reliance on God. Even when we feel we have done our best, God’s grace encourages us to continue, to trust, and to persevere.
Prayer for the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Almighty ever-living God, grant that we may always conform our will to Yours and serve Your majesty in sincerity of heart.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
by Bishop David Walker