What Does the Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8) Mean?
Luke 18:1 (MEV) He told them a parable to illustrate that it is necessary always to pray and not lose heart.
The Greek word for “lose heart” is ἐκκακέω ekkakeō and means “To turn out to be a coward, to lose one’s courage. In the NT, generally, to be fainthearted, to faint or despond in view of trial, difficulty. Intransitive. In the sense of to be remiss or slothful in duty.” (Word Study Dictionary)
For days, weeks, and even years, we pray fervently, yet we often feel like our prayers go unanswered. Despite this, we should continue to pray because Jesus instructed us to do so.
Why does God sometimes delay answering prayer? Perhaps, to teach us to keep praying, maybe it is not His will to give that answer, maybe it is not the right time to answer our prayer, maybe to lead slowly to prepare for the answer we seek, etc.
We do not pray for our sin to be enjoyed or allowed.
It is difficult to understand when we believe it must be answered today. But, praying is a discipline to continue even if discouraged, weary, hopeless.
Romans 12:12 (MEV) “rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.”