Parable of the Unjust Judge and Persistent Widow

Dearly Beloved,

Today's parable is the unjust judge and persistent widow.  Like the widow, Christ wants us to pray without becoming weary.  In other words, to pray without losing heart.

The parable is not about how to pray, but to be vigilant and persistent in prayer.  The unjust judge cave into the widow's demands because of her persistence.  

Prayer means to be vigilant and be prepared at all times.  For instance, it would be like a police officer that carries a fire arm with him even when he is off duty.  So even when he is off duty, he never lets his guard down.  

It's the same with a spiritual person who constantly have a spirit of prayer, and being ever aware of God's divine and loving presence.  Prayer helps the soul to remain vigilant.  

Prayer can also help me to deal with temptations.   A person who prays helps to temper the desire to sin.  Usually when I do something unmerciful, it's because i don't resort to prayer.

There are two perspectives on prayer.  One is that I could see prayer as a last resort.  Or the better one is to see prayer as first resource.

What happens if God doesn't answer our persistent prayers or that the prayer is delayed.  It is because prayer doesn't change God since God is eternal, the same yesterday, today and forever.  But prayer changes me and confirms me to God's will.  Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  

Sometimes when I pray, I can have the attitude that prayer doesn't do anything.  Prayer is ineffective.  That happens because I'm not being persistent in prayer, but I'm being persistent in unbelief.  I must be watchful of my attitude in prayer.  I need to keep from making demands upon God.  

God is much better than the unjust judge.  The unjust judge is self-centered and thinking about his own well being when he answered the request of the servant.  God answers prayer requests because God is concerned about own good and well being.  God will answer prayer prayer requests or not, depending upon what God thinks is best for me.  

The almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.