Read Luke 18:1-14
In these parables, our Lord teaches us much about prayer.
In the widow, we see a striking picture of persistence. Despite being dismissed by a corrupt and indifferent judge, she continues to appeal to him. At last, he relents—not because he is just or compassionate, but because she will not stop pleading.
Jesus is not comparing the Father to this disgraceful judge. Quite the opposite. If even an unjust judge can be worn down, how much more will our gracious God respond? He does not hesitate to show compassion and mercy; they are traits of his identity. Therefore, we are not to lose heart in prayer. We persist precisely because we trust His character. Prayer is both the activity and the evidence of faith—faith that God will be faithful to His promises.
The same lesson appears in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee, in effect, praises God for himself. In his own eyes, he lacks nothing. The tax collector, however, casts himself entirely upon God’s mercy: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”
His plea goes even deeper than it first appears. More than a request to be shown some mercy, he is asking “God make atonement for me—cover my sin, forgive me, reconcile me, for I am the sinner.” He approaches God not with credentials, but with need.
If you truly see yourself as the sinner, how can you approach God at all—unless you trust that He is merciful?
Jesus tells us it was this man who went home justified. We, too, are invited to pray to God as our merciful Father. And what do such prayers sound like? They sound like the requests of those who trust that God is faithful, compassionate, and rich in mercy.
Prayer: Consider your need before the Lord. Then pray—trusting in His mercy.