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 what people thought. 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 what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”

Matthew 19, 11, Mark 10, and Luke 9, 10-11, 17, John 10

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 what people thought. 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 what people think, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” Luke 18:1-5

Day 308 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning focusing on what my commentary* refers to as the "final two months of [Jesus'] Galilean ministry." Jesus sends out 72 of His disciples to broaden the work of His ministry and to prepare the way for the church.  The scripture this morning includes a number of parables, including the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), and the Parable of Persistence (Luke 11:5-8). Upon prompting, Jesus also teaches the disciples how to pray (Luke 11:1-4). Finally, Jesus is in Jerusalem for the Festival of Dedication (Hanukkah) and once again meets opposition from the Jewish leaders who attempt to stone Jesus but He escapes.

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

Of note this morning are Jesus' words on persistent prayer not just in Luke 11 but also in Luke 18 where He tells us The Parable of the Persistent Widow.  John Piper also urges us to take to heart how "persisting, persevering prayer - is utterly important for us"[.]

Lord Jesus, help me persist and persevere in my prayer!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are persistent and You are faithful.  You never leave or forsake me, and all of Your promises are true.  I am grateful for all that You are an all that You do - it is overwhelming that You love me and You died for me.  I am undeserving of such love.  I continue to worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.