Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming!’” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:1-8 (NIV)
Heaven is always open to the praying servant. It cannot be blocked. In our verses for today Jesus tells His followers to continue to “let down their nets” in prayer until mercy comes. Patience in prayer is faith in action. God is always bending His ear to hear our requests and grant whatever is best for His servant – whether it is what is asked for specifically, whether it is something far greater, whether it is wait, whether it is no, it will always be for both His child’s unmingled good and His glory. We cannot know the mind of God or instruct Him as His counselor. Indeed, no mind has conceived nor ear heard what God has planned for those who love Him. His thoughts are not our thoughts neither are His ways our ways. They are far greater and more loving. We see so poorly yet He sees pristinely.
Consider as well that that we are not praying alone. Christ, our Advocate, is always interceding for us at the Father’s right Hand. He faithfully removes the “dross” from our petitions and presents nothing but pure gold. Though the things we seek are far more than we deserve they are not more than Christ has purchased for us. What encouragement it is to pray in faith the promises of God. He is the promise keeper – His “No’s” are always for our greater “Yes”. He often exceeds the prayers of His people and gives more than we ask.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:7-11 (NIV)