Powerful Hope When You’re Tempted to Quit Praying

What is your most long-standing unanswered prayer? 

I have friends who have been praying for decades for their children’s salvation. 

And friends who have labored for years over their daughters’ infertility. 

One of my neighbors prays daily for researchers to find a cure for a disease that has the power to kill two of his grandchildren before they reach age 30. He’s been praying this prayer for eleven years. 

I pray every day for beloved prodigals, broken relationships, and healing. 

Sometimes I grow weary.

When I don’t see results, I wonder if my prayers are accomplishing anything. Might my time and energy be better spent doing something? In my darkest times of doubt, I wonder if God is even listening. Or if he cares.

Do you ever feel this way? 

Then Luke 18:1 is a special gift for us today. 

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” 

I take great comfort in knowing that Jesus knew I’d grow weary in prayer. Not only that, but he inspired the gospel writer Luke to pen Scripture with me (and you) in mind — so we wouldn’t give up.  

“Keep praying,” he says. “I hear you. Your prayers matter. I’m knitting them into the fabric of events, and one day it will all make sense. And it will be beautiful. Trust me. Don’t give up.” 

If you’ve labored long over a loved one, a circumstance, or a need, take a deep breath. Cry if you need to. Then ask God for the faith to persevere. He will have his perfect will and way, and I want to be a part of that. 

Don’t you?

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