Sermon: October 19, 2025
Reading: Luke 18:1-8
Not only do we have the example of Jesus’ prayer life of seeking our Heavenly Father in solitude, in sorrow, and in surrender, but He also offers us the widow as a powerful image of shameless persistence. Her faith is not passive; it is active. She does not simply whisper her prayers into an empty void. She acts on them. She shows up. She speaks out. In her, we see the kind of faith that refuses to be silenced, the kind of prayer that dares to knock again and again and again, even when it seems that no one, including God, is listening.
How many times in our lives do we hammer away at God’s door with our fists, only to feel that there is no answer and walk away with bruised hands?
How many times do we turn on the TV and are sickened to hear about the continued injustices in our world, the continued actions taken against the hungry and desperate, the senseless wars and violence, and the latest mass shooting at a school or some other public place? All while political leaders turn a blind eye, as family members and children die, people go hungry, and lack proper medical care? Their inaction only sows more division in our country and reveals their true desire. Their lack of compassion is what the judge in the parable demonstrates, and it’s not who God calls us to be.
How many times do we pray, and we wonder, “Where is God in all of this?” Jesus knew we might ask. And so He gives us the example of the widow. He says, “I see you. I hear you. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep acting. Do not lose heart.”
Jesus encourages us to be persistent and diligent in prayer when our blessings are abundant and our cup is overflowing. And to be just as diligent when things feel hopeless and overwhelming.
So pray; pray when the sun is shining and things are bright. Pray when the night is long and things look dark. Pray when your heart is full and joyful, pray when it is heavy and breaking. Pray with the persistence of the widow. Pray with the trust of a child and the courage of a warrior in the face of adversity. Pray with the passion of Christ.
And know this: God is not behind a locked door.
God is there with open arms, ready to gather you in, to hold your tears, to carry your burdens, to whisper, “You are not alone.” So pray. And do not lose heart.
Let us pray, Heavenly Father, grant that through our persistence of prayer, we may embrace your love in a way that deepens our faith, warms our hearts, gives us strength in adversity, peace in chaos, and the ability to spread our arms to embrace a hurting world with the love of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
