Neville Turley

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Paul had established the church in Thessalonica and this letter was to encourage them to hold fast to their faith and to support each other, praying continually.

It is sound advice but easier said than done. Most Christians find praying extremely difficult and that struggle stunts their spiritual growth. 

Mother Teresa (1910-1997) was known as the “Saint of the Gutters”. She was greatly revered around the world for her life-long dedication to helping the poor, the sick and the dying. Like many of us she struggled through crises of faith and she refers to this in her writings as “the dark nights of the soul”.

Throughout times of crises, we need to pray to God again and again.  Our Lord Jesus Christ taught his disciples the parable of the persistent widow to show them they should always pray and never give up.  (Luke 18:1-8)

The widow was aggrieved and turned to the court for justice. The judge who had to hear her case ignored her.  However, the widow never gave up, she kept badgering the judge.

Her continuing perseverance finally paid off.  The judge heard her case and granted her request.

We should learn from the widow and never give up on our prayer life. Her pleas to the judge were persistent and sincere. Our prayers to God must be equally so. If we persevere in our praying God will respond, that is the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ.

During this month, we will look at Bible verses that can enrich our prayer life and draw us closer to God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your Son who taught us how to pray, so that empowered by the Holy Spirit we may bring you praise, honour and glory.  Amen