In a parable in Luke 18, a widow’s persistent petitions to an unjust judge — who was worn out by her constant visits — models daily, consistent prayer for believers in Christ.

Jesus teaches us through this widow and judge about regular, continuous, day-and-night prayer, emphasizing the importance of steadfast prayer in the face of spiritual opposition.

We also may pray for relief from an adversary, with constancy and perseverance in prayers for spiritual mercies, not just temporal needs. As Mathew Henry writes, “When we are praying for strength against our spiritual enemies (our lusts and corruptions, which are our worst enemies) we must continue instant in prayer, must pray and not faint, for we shall not seek God's face in vain.”

Our “enemy” or “adversary” is primarily the world, the devil, and the flesh.

Bible teacher Andrew MacLaren writes: “‘In the world ye shall have tribulation,’ and the truer His servants are to Him, and the more their hearts are with Christ in God, the more they will feel out of touch with the world, and the more it will instinctively be their ‘adversary.’”

Whoa! That puts our prayers in a seemingly altogether different plane, from one of preference and wants, to one of spiritual wholeness and holiness. And not just for ourselves, but all the people of God, and Henry writes, “So we must likewise in our prayers for the deliverance of the people of God out of the hands of their persecutors and oppressors.”

Prayer should be continuous and steadfast, not just about personal wants but about spiritual transformation. Persistent prayer is the means to maintain spiritual strength against these opposing forces.

And doing this day and night is to do with earnestness and steadfastness, “for our importunity is pleasing to God; the prayer of the upright is his delight, and therefore, we may hope, shall avail much, if it be an effectual fervent prayer.” (Henry)

Like a goalie standing ready, watching the ball and defending the net, so we watch and pray night and day, from the Word of God, which is His revealed will for His people. This is our defense. The promises and prayers found throughout the Scriptures are our prayer book and guide. As the widow who asked the same thing at each encounter with the judge, we pray from the whole of Scripture, and do so regularly, consistently, and steadfastly.

These prayers cannot be worn out, or be overused, and will not fail. Our Lord has been answering them from the beginning and will continue to answer them. How? Speedily! Why? Because He promises to, says Jesus, I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.

Therefore, we pray them and keep on praying them, until He answers or until He comes again. Jesus said that we always ought to pray and not lose heart because God is not reluctant to answer and we cannot wear Him out as the judge was. Our heavenly Father loves it when we pray for help. Consistent, persevering prayer transforms our character to reflect His, and we develop a heart that cares about what God cares about through persistent praying.

Too many prayers are like boy’s runaway knocks, given, and then the giver is away before the door can be opened. — Spurgeon

Our prayer literally builds the character of God Himself into our lives.

And He loves to answer! So why does He often delay?

See this for understanding delays in answered prayer:

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