“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ”” Luke 18:1-5 NKJV
“Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”” Luke 18:9-14
Father in Heaven,
Jesus spoke and taught about prayer. He spoke from experience. He often went aside to rest and pray. Father if he needed to pray about everything surely we do too? And yet, prayer meetings, unless in a time of revival, are the poorest attended? And how often do we worry first or try to plan first before seeking Your wisdom? I am guilty. of that.
Jesus teaches about Your nature. You are not an unwilling judge who needs to be persistently bothered, You love to answer prayer. A friend, Luke tells us in chapter 11, will answer the call of a friend in his need even if it is inconvenient. You say it is never inconvenient, just knock, seek and ask and I will answer.
And Jesus tells us how to come to You. Not with reasons why we deserve an answer. There is no need to bargain, no promises to be better or try harder are needed. Like the publican we just need to come as we are, undeserving but justified in Christ. So teach us how to live simply each day in prayer and communication with You naturally, as breathing. Help us enjoy getting together with others to seek You and find Your way to build Your Kingdom Lord. And we cannot thank, praise and worship You enough for being a loving God who hears and answers prayer. As James Montgomery wrote in his hymn, “Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath”. Teach me to breath prayer.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 5th November 2026
Written 181 years ago. Perhaps there were less distractions – no tv, radio, social media? But work hours, sleeping and just doing daily living took every hour they had. So perhaps it is just making time and doing it . . . the regular, the organised the spasmodic . . .
1 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
that calls me from a world of care,
and bids me at my Father’s throne
make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
my soul has often found relief,
and oft escaped the tempter’s snare
by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
2 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
the joys I feel, the bliss I share
of those whose anxious spirits burn
with strong desires for thy return!
With such I hasten to the place
where God my Savior shows his face,
and gladly take my station there,
and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
3 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
thy wings shall my petition bear
to him whose truth and faithfulness
engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since he bids me seek his face,
believe his word, and trust his grace,
I’ll cast on him my every care,
and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
Lyrics: William W Walford. 1845