A PARABLE ON PRAYER

Thank you for taking the time to visit this site. In this series “The Parables” we will study the parables of Jesus Christ, which he taught to his disciples. They cover many different areas of the Christian way of life and give us positive direction and instruction into the principles of the kingdom. In many parables he says, “the kingdom of heaven is like unto” or a similar phrase to let us know what he is about to teach is spiritual and relates to the kingdom of God as it pertains to us. These teachings, even though they are simple at a glance, are very profound and deep. They are God’s revealed truth that has been kept secret from the beginning of the world!

“All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: [35] That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.” Matthew 13:34-35 (KJV)

The parable on the subject of prayer is of great importance. Let’s get started.

Prayer

“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 Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. [7] And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? [8] I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:1-8 (KJV)

Two principles immediately come to us from verse one. First, that men ought to pray. Secondly, that our prayers need to be persistent. Let’s look at these one at a time. The concept of prayer comes from the idea that mankind needs God. This is more than just an idea it is reality. Prayer is the spiritual contact between God and man, a two way holy communication in which man is lifted up to a higher place. In this higher place he finds wisdom, strength, power, and understanding of God’s will for life. Prayer is the acknowledgement that God holds the keys to a warehouse of sorts where every possible need can be met from its’ resources. Once we recognize this all of heaven’s resources become available to us. When the doctor says you have a brain tumor, heavens storehouse has a cure. When men have written you off there is still one more place where you can go, “prayer.”

Men and women of all ages have found themselves in a place where they needed God. Someone once said, “Prayer can obtain everything; can open the windows of heaven and shut the gates of hell; can put a holy restraint upon God, and detain an angel till he leaves a blessing; can open the treasures of rain, and soften the iron ribs of rocks till they melt into a flowing river; can arrest the sun in his course, and send the winds upon our errands.”

Our need to pray comes from the fact that we are insufficient in ourselves. David the mighty warrior/king who was a leader of leaders understood completely his need for God’s help. Notice that he didn’t claim any strength on his own but spoke of God as his strength.

“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the Lord, who spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. [2] The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:1-2 (KJV)

David became a man of greatness because he was a man of prayer. He, just like us, stood his tallest when he was on his knees. He was a man of prayer because he recognized that without God he could nothing. Jesus declared the very same thing to us.

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5 (KJV)

This is a very humbling statement. To think that we can’t even take our next breath without him reveals the reality of our lowly state. We are helpless like sheep in a pasture without a shepherd.

“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.” Psalm 100:3 (KJV)

“For in him we live, and move, and have our being…” Acts 17:28 (KJV)

Jesus didn’t pull any punches he simply said, “Men ought to pray.” As we look closer, we can see that he wants us to approach him in prayer. He desires to bless us in ways that we can only imagine and his kingdom becomes available to us when we make contact with him in prayer.

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 (KJV)

The reason men “ought to pray” is that we need God to be truly blessed. We will always fall short if we go it alone. Prayer is the start of an exciting relationship with the God who holds everything in his hand. Someone once said, “As it is with building, the first stone must be laid, and the first blow must be struck. The temple of Solomon was a glorious building, but there was a day when the first huge stone was set in place. When does the Spiritual house begin in a man’s heart? It begins, when he first pours out his heart to God in prayer. When we pray God hears in his holy heaven and is ready to respond.” Sound good? It is!

Question #1 Do you believe in the need for each of us to pray? Explain.

Do Not Faint in Prayer

The second principle that Jesus taught in this parable is persistence. Persistence simply means to remain unyielding or to continue. This is very simple in meaning and harder yet to do. The importance of persistence in prayer is brought out in this parable. In verses 2-6 he tells the story of a woman who had a problem to solve. Obviously there was someone who had done her wrong and she brought the matter before the judge. The judge is a picture of a human judge that was unjust. This woman came before him with her request and was rejected the first time. Most folks would have given up but not this woman. She had persistence in her spirit. She decided to go back and again she was refused. She thought, “It won’t hurt one more time” so she went again and was turned down. After a while she made up her mind that she would go until he ruled in her favor.

Jesus told us to hear what the unjust judge said. He said, “I’m sick and tired of seeing this woman, I will grant her request.” In verses 7-8 he says that God will quickly answer the prayers of his people so that he will not be burdened with their continual crying to him. The Lord desires to answer his people quickly. Then he injects something that seems to be out of place. “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” What does faith have to do with this? I’m glad you asked. Faith is the very reason we are persistent, for when we approach him with boldness in faith he will do what he has said.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)

When we approach him it must be in faith. Faith is the key that unlocks the door to the storehouse I made mention of earlier. In his storehouse everything we will ever need can be found.

“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. [7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.” James 1:6-7 (KJV)

If Jesus said it you can believe it. All we need to do is ask in faith and be persistent about it. If we do not ask there will be no answer.

“Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. [3] Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” James 4:2-3 (KJV) (my emphasis)

When we ask for things that are not in his will God has not obligated himself to answer. When we are persistent and not foolish in what we ask for we can be assured that he will respond to our prayers. Some things take a while for God to fit into his master plan. Sometimes there is opposition by the enemy. Rest assured however that everything that happens is for our good.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (KJV)

Do you know this too? This truth is a great bit of wisdom that God wants to put into our hearts. This way, whatever happens after we pray, we can have a calm assurance that it will be for our good. It will also be a great motivator for us to continue on in prayer. Rest assured, God answers prayer. It has been said that, “If it can’t be done in prayer, it can’t be done.” I couldn’t agree more. When we have this kind of faith, prayer becomes an absolute necessity that is akin to our daily food. Do you have a need in your life? Jesus Christ has the answer if you will approach him in prayer.

Question #2 Do you believe that God wants to help you with your present problems? Explain.

Conclusion

This parable is simple yet very profound. Because she was persistent the woman received her request from the unjust judge. God is not unjust and it is his desire to give us the kingdom that we may be filled with joy and peace. These things will be given to us when we live a life of prayer.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philip. 4:6-7 (KJV)

This scripture teaches us that we should not worry when we have prayed. An old saying goes like this, “If you pray why worry and if you worry why pray.” When we come to God in sincerity and approach the throne of grace the Lord of all the earth will give peace and assurance that everything will be all right.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)

This boldness is not the same thing as arrogance or a demanding spirit. It is an attitude that comes from a close relationship where we understand his desire to provide our needs. He truly wants to supply all of our needs.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philip. 4:19 (KJV)

Why not approach him right now in prayer. The Bible is full of people who believed God and went to him in prayer. You too can receive through faith in him. Today is a good day to get started on the road to blessing in prayer. As always, thanks for going through this lesson, I am honored that you have taken the time to come here. I pray it has been a blessing to you. If it has please let me know, it would be a great encouragement to me. Also, if you have a friend that would be blessed with this or any other lesson let them know about this site. Any prayer requests can be left here and someone will be in prayer with you. Would you like someone in your area to pray for your needs with you? Simply let us know and someone will get in contact with you as soon as possible. May God bless you richly!