Luke 18:1
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart:
Then Jesus told them a parable
The phrase begins with "Then," indicating a continuation from previous teachings or events. Jesus often used parables, which are simple accounts used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. The Greek word for parable, "parabolē," means a placing beside or comparison. Parables were a common teaching method in Jewish tradition, allowing listeners to engage with profound truths through relatable narratives. Jesus, as the master teacher, used parables to reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of God to those with open hearts while concealing them from those who were spiritually blind.

about their need to pray
The phrase "their need to pray" underscores the essential nature of prayer in the life of a believer. The Greek word for "need," "dei," implies necessity or obligation. Prayer is not merely a suggestion but a vital component of a Christian's spiritual life. It is the means by which believers communicate with God, express their dependence on Him, and align their will with His. Historically, prayer has been a cornerstone of Jewish and Christian practice, with roots in the Hebrew Scriptures where figures like David and Daniel exemplified lives of devoted prayer.

at all times
The phrase "at all times" translates from the Greek "pantote," meaning always or continually. This emphasizes the importance of persistent and consistent prayer. The early church, as seen in the book of Acts, exemplified this continuous devotion to prayer, gathering regularly to seek God's guidance and strength. The call to pray without ceasing is a reminder that prayer is not confined to specific times or places but is a constant, ongoing dialogue with God, reflecting a life lived in His presence.

and not lose heart
The phrase "and not lose heart" comes from the Greek "enkakein," meaning to become weary or discouraged. Jesus acknowledges the human tendency to grow faint or give up, especially in the face of trials or delayed answers to prayer. This encouragement to persevere in prayer is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in the lives of the prophets and apostles who faced immense challenges yet remained steadfast. The historical context of the early church, which endured persecution and hardship, highlights the necessity of maintaining hope and faith through persistent prayer. Jesus assures His followers that God hears and responds to the cries of His people, urging them to remain faithful and trust in His timing and purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the importance of persistent prayer.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who are called to a life of prayer.

3. Parable
A teaching method used by Jesus to convey spiritual truths through simple accounts or analogies.
Teaching Points
The Necessity of Persistent Prayer
Jesus emphasizes the need for continual prayer, indicating that it should be a regular part of a believer's life.

Do Not Lose Heart
The encouragement to not lose heart suggests that prayer requires perseverance, especially when answers are delayed.

Faith in God's Timing
Trusting in God's perfect timing is crucial, as persistent prayer builds faith and reliance on Him.

Prayer as a Relationship Builder
Persistent prayer fosters a deeper relationship with God, aligning our hearts with His will.

Encouragement in Community
Believers are encouraged to support one another in prayer, strengthening the community of faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' teaching on persistent prayer in Luke 18:1 challenge your current prayer habits?

2. In what ways can you incorporate the principle of "praying at all times" into your daily routine?

3. Reflect on a time when you were tempted to lose heart in prayer. How did you overcome it, or how might you approach it differently now?

4. How do the additional scriptures (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Philippians 4:6-7) enhance your understanding of the importance of persistent prayer?

5. What practical steps can you take to encourage others in your community to remain steadfast in prayer?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Thessalonians 5:17
This verse emphasizes the importance of praying without ceasing, aligning with Jesus' teaching on persistent prayer.

Philippians 4:6-7
Encourages believers to present their requests to God through prayer and supplication, promising peace in return.

James 5:16
Highlights the power of effective, fervent prayer, which is a key theme in Jesus' parable.

Hebrews 4:16
Invites believers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, reinforcing the idea of persistent prayer.

Matthew 7:7-8
Jesus teaches about asking, seeking, and knocking, which parallels the call to persistent prayer in Luke 18:1.
Man's Difficulty Concerning PrayerGeorge MacDonaldLuke 18:1
Self-InspectionS. Baring-GouldLuke 18:1
The Word of Jesus on PrayerGeorge MacDonaldLuke 18:1
Three Kinds Op PrayingAlexander MaclarenLuke 18:1
Continuance in Prayer: Divine DelayW. Clarkson Luke 18:1-7
Answers to PrayerLuke 18:1-8
Belief in Prayer the Outcome of Need RealizedG. Macdonald, LL. D.Luke 18:1-8
Christ Looking in Vain for FaithJ. Vaughan, M. A.Luke 18:1-8
Constant Exercise in PrayerLuke 18:1-8
God Hears the Prayers of His ElectI. Saunders.Luke 18:1-8
God's Response to the Cry of the ElectLuke 18:1-8
Hindrances to PrayerE. W. Shalders, B. A.Luke 18:1-8
Hours Spent in PrayerLuke 18:1-8
Loss of Faith in the Christian VeritiesM. F. Sadler.Luke 18:1-8
Men Ought Always to PrayJ. J. Wray.Luke 18:1-8
Necessity of PrayerBishop Boyd Carpenter.Luke 18:1-8
Oriental JudgesProf. Isaac H. Hall.Luke 18:1-8
Parable of the Importunate WidowJ. Thomson, D. D.Luke 18:1-8
Patient PrayerJ. G. Forbes.Luke 18:1-8
Perseverance in Prayer: Or, Strike AgainLuke 18:1-8
Petitioners At the Court of Heaven EncouragedLuke 18:1-8
Pray Without CeasingJ. A. Alexander.Luke 18:1-8
PrayerA. H. Currier.Luke 18:1-8
Prayer Answered After DeathC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 18:1-8
Prayer is ManlyT. R. Stevenson.Luke 18:1-8
Shall We Pray, or Shall We NotJ. Kennedy, D. D.Luke 18:1-8
The Adaptability of Nature to PrayerProf. J. P. Gulliver.Luke 18:1-8
The Church's WidowhoodH. Bonar, D. D.Luke 18:1-8
The Duty of Persevering in PrayerTheological Sketch-bookLuke 18:1-8
The Faith of the ChurchJames Owen.Luke 18:1-8
The Importunate WidowC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 18:1-8
The Importunate Widow a Type of God's Elect PeopleJ. Stratten.Luke 18:1-8
The Nature and Duty of PrayerEssex RemembrancerLuke 18:1-8
The Necessity of PrayerW. H. Hutchings, M. A.Luke 18:1-8
The Necessity of Praying Always, and not FaintingT. Boston, D. D.Luke 18:1-8
The Search for FaithC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 18:1-8
The Strange Weapon-All-PrayerC. S. Robinson, D. D.Luke 18:1-8
The Unjust Judge and the Importunate WidowT. Guthrie, D. D.Luke 18:1-8
Times Adverse to PrayerBishop Boyd Carpenter.Luke 18:1-8
Times Unfavourable to PrayerBishop Boyd Carpenter.Luke 18:1-8
Universal PrayerJ. D. Wray.Luke 18:1-8
Lessons in PrayerR.M. Edgar Luke 18:1-14
People
David, Jesus, Peter
Places
Jericho, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Road to Jerusalem
Topics
Always, Behoveth, Effect, Faint, Heart, Lose, Making, Ought, Parable, Point, Prayer, Purport, Simile, Spake, Spoke, Story, Taught, Telling, Tired
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 18:1

     8618   prayerfulness
     8713   discouragement

Luke 18:1-5

     5743   widows
     7751   persuasion

Luke 18:1-8

     2042   Christ, justice of
     5350   injustice, hated by God
     8459   perseverance
     8613   prayer, persistence
     8653   importunity, to God

Luke 18:1-17

     2360   Christ, prayers of

Library
June 7 Morning
Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.--LUKE 18:1. Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine in his journey is come to me and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 3 Evening
What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee . . . Lord, that I may receive my sight.--LUKE 18:41. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.--The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, . . . shall teach you all things.--Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights. The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

April 2 Evening
When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?--LUKE 18:8. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.--The Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall from the faith. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 14. "Men Ought Always to Pray" (Luke xviii. 1).
"Men ought always to pray" (Luke xviii. 1). Let this be a day of prayer. Let us see that our highest ministry and power is to deal with God for men. Let us be obedient to all the Holy Spirit's voices of prayer in us. Let us count every pressure a call to prayer. Let us cherish the spirit of unceasing prayer and abiding communion. Let us learn the meaning of the ministry of prayer. Let us reach persons this day we cannot reach in person; let us expect results that we have never dared to claim before;
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Three Kinds Op Praying
'And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2. Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3. And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5. Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6. And the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Entering the Kingdom
'And they brought unto Him also infants, that He would touch them: but when His disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16. But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 17. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. 18. And a certain ruler asked Him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 19. And Jesus said unto
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Man that Stopped Jesus
'And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto Him: and when he was come near, He asked him, 41. Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?'--LUKE xviii. 40-41. This story of the man that stopped Christ is told by the three 'Synoptic' Evangelists, and it derives a special value from having occurred within a week of the Crucifixion. You remember how graphically Mark tells how the blind man hears who is passing and immediately begins to cry with a loud voice to Christ to have mercy upon
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

September the Fourteenth the Sense of Want
"This man went down to his house justified rather than the other." --LUKE xviii. 9-14. The Master sets the Pharisee and publican in contrast, and His judgment goes against the man who has made some progress in moral attainments, and favours the man who has no victories to show, but only a hunger for victory. The dissatisfied sinner is preferred to the self-satisfied saint. The Pharisee had gained an inch, but had lost his sense of the continent. The publican had not pegged out an inch of moral
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xviii. 1,"They Ought Always to Pray, and not to Faint," Etc. And on the Two who Went up Into
1. The lesson of the Holy Gospel builds us up unto the duty of praying and believing, and of not putting our trust in ourselves, but in the Lord. What greater encouragement to prayer than the parable which is proposed to us of the unjust judge? For an unjust judge, who feared not God, nor regarded man, yet gave ear to a widow who besought him, overcome by her importunity, not inclined thereto by kindness. [3531] If he then heard her prayer, who hated to be asked, how must He hear who exhorts us to
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Confession and Absolution
I. Brethren, let us imitate the publican, first of all in his CONFESSION. There has been a great deal of public excitement during the last few weeks and months about the confessional. As for that matter, it is perhaps a mercy that the outward and visible sign of Popery in the Church of England has discovered to its sincere friends the inward and spiritual evil which had long been lurking there. We need not imagine that the confessional, or priestcraft, of which it is merely an offshoot, in the Church
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

The Worthy Communicant
LUKE xviii. 14. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other. Which of these two men was the more fit to come to the Communion? Most of you will answer, The publican: for he was more justified, our Lord himself says, than the Pharisee. True: but would you have said so of your own accord, if the Lord had not said so? Which of the two men do you really think was the better man, the Pharisee or the publican? Which of the two do you think had his soul in the safer
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

The Charity of God
(Quinquagesima Sunday.) LUKE xviii. 31, 32, 33. All things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: and they shall scourge him and put him to death; and the third day he shall rise again. This is a solemn text, a solemn Gospel; but it is not its solemnity which I wish to speak of this morning, but this--What has it to do with the Epistle, and with
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Self-Inspection.
11th Sunday after Trinity. S. Luke xviii., 13. "The Publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me a sinner." INTRODUCTION.--I have spoken to you on former occasions pretty strongly upon the evil of backbiting, slandering, and casting of blame without sufficient cause. I am not going to address this day those who speak evil, but those of whom evil is spoken. The Publican in the Parable stood far from the
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Man's Difficulty Concerning Prayer.
--and not to faint.'--ST. LUKE xviii. 1. 'How should any design of the All-wise be altered in response to prayer of ours!' How are we to believe such a thing? By reflecting that he is the All-wise, who sees before him, and will not block his path. Such objection springs from poorest idea of God in relation to us. It supposes him to have cares and plans and intentions concerning our part of creation, irrespective of us. What is the whole system of things for, but our education? Does God care for
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

The Word of Jesus on Prayer.
They ought always to pray.'--ST. LUKE xviii. I. The impossibility of doing what we would as we would, drives us to look for help. And this brings us to a new point of departure. Everything difficult indicates something more than our theory of life yet embraces, checks some tendency to abandon the strait path, leaving open only the way ahead. But there is a reality of being in which all things are easy and plain--oneness, that is, with the Lord of Life; to pray for this is the first thing; and
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

Impossible with Man, Possible with God
"And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God" (Luke 18:27). Christ had said to the rich young ruler, "Sell all that thou hast . . . and come, follow me." The young man went away sorrowful. Christ then turned to the disciples, and said: "How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!" The disciples, we read, were greatly astonished, and answered: "If it is so difficult to enter the kingdom, who, then, can be saved?" And Christ gave this blessed
Andrew Murray—Absolute Surrender

"Because of his Importunity. "
"Nov. 19 [1846].--I am now led more and more to importune the Lord to send me the means, which are requisite in order that I may be able to commence the building. Because (1) it has been for some time past publicly stated in print, that I allow it is not without ground that some of the inhabitants of Wilson Street consider themselves inconvenienced by the Orphan-Houses being in that street, and I long therefore to be able to remove the Orphans from thence as soon as possible. (2) I become more and
George Müller—Answers to Prayer

That all Things are to be Referred to God, as the Final End
"My Son, I must be thy Supreme and final end, if thou desirest to be truly happy. Out of such purpose thy affection shall be purified, which too often is sinfully bent upon itself and upon created things. For if thou seekest thyself in any matter, straightway thou wilt fail within thyself and grow barren. Therefore refer everything to Me first of all, for it is I who gave thee all. So look upon each blessing as flowing from the Supreme Good, and thus all things are to be attributed to Me as their
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Protesting Our Innocence?
We have all become so used to condemning the proud self-righteous attitude of the Pharisee in the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican,[footnote1:Luke 18:9-14] that we can hardly believe that the picture of him there is meant to apply to us--which only shows how much like him we really are. The Sunday School teacher was never so much a Pharisee, as when she finished her lesson on this parable with the words, "And now, children, we can thank God that we are not as this Pharisee!" In particular
Roy Hession and Revel Hession—The Calvary Road

Prayer and Humility
"If two angels were to receive at the same moment a commission from God, one to go down and rule earth's grandest empire, the other to go and sweep the streets of its meanest village, it would be a matter of entire indifference to each which service fell to his lot, the post of ruler or the post of scavenger; for the joy of the angels lies only in obedience to God's will, and with equal joy they would lift a Lazarus in his rags to Abraham's bosom, or be a chariot of fire to carry an Elijah home."--John
Edward M. Bounds—The Essentials of Prayer

Parable of the Importunate Widow.
^C Luke XVIII. 1-8. ^c 1 And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 saying, There was in a city a judge, who feared not God, and regarded not man [an utterly abandoned character]: 3 and there was a widow in that city; and she came oft unto him, saying, Avenge me of [rather, Do justice to me as to] mine adversary. [In Scripture language widowhood is symbolic of defenselessness (Ex. xxii. 22-24; Deut. x. 18; xxvii. 19; Mal. iii. 5; Mark xii. 40),
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Parable of the Pharisee and Publican.
^C Luke XVIII. 9-14. ^c 9 And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought [It is commonly said that this parable teaches humility in prayer, but the preface and conclusion (see verse 14) show that it is indeed to set forth generally the difference between self-righteousness and humility, and that an occasion of prayer is chosen because it best illustrates the point which the Lord desired to teach. The parable shows that
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Three Last Parables of the Peræan Series: the Unrighteous Judge - the Self-Righteous Pharisee and the Publican - the Unmerciful Servant
If we were to seek confirmation of the suggestion, that these last and the two preceding Parables are grouped together under a common viewpoint, such as that of Righteousness, the character and position of the Parables now to be examined would supply it. For, while the Parable of the Unjust Judge evidently bears close affinity to those that had preceded - especially to that of him who persisted in his request for bread [4644] - it evidently refers not, as the other, to man's present need, but to
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

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