Persevering Supplication
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"And He spoke a parable unto them to this end — that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." Luke 18:1.
The success which attended the importunity and perseverance of the poor widow, whose case is here referred to — should stimulate and encourage us in our approaches to the Divine footstool. The person whom she addressed — was an unjust and hard-hearted judge. But He with whom we have to do — is very compassionate and of tender mercy, being more ready to hear than we are to pray; and delights to give not merely more than we deserve — but exceeding abundantly above all that we can solicit or desire!
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2. It must, however, be remembered that the prayer which God honours, and in answer to which He bestows His promised blessings — is heart-felt, fervent, wrestling prayer. Such was the prayer of Jacob on the memorable night which preceded his interview with his brother Esau. "And Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaks. And he said, I will not let you go, except you bless me." And he was blessed! As a prince he had power with God — and prevailed. O Christian, aspire after his spirit — that you may meet with his success. Our formal lifeless and lukewarm petitions are altogether unavailing; but "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
O what losers are we, in consequence of not possessing more of such a spirit. It is for lack of it, that in affliction — we are not consoled; that in perplexity — we are not directed; that in temptation — we are not preserved. It is for lack of it, that we are barren — when we might abound in all the fruits of righteousness; that we are indigent —when we might have been rich in faith; that we are such dwarfs — when we might have been spiritual giants! We have not — because we ask not, or because we ask amiss; and we certainly ask amiss if we ask in that spirit of coldness and indifference, which is so common.
But to earnestness — we must add perseverance. The question is asked concerning certain formalists, "Will they always call upon God?" a question which implies that their zeal and importunity will soon pass away. It is not sufficient for us to be anxious and earnest for a short time — but we must hold on until we obtain the blessing. Our fervour must not be like a mere blaze of straw; it should rather resemble the sacred flame on the Jewish altar, which kindled by the breath of heaven, never went out. O reader, beware of restraining prayer before God; but seek, in giving yourself to this sacred exercise, to do so with importunity on the one hand — and with perseverance on the other.
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