giving god no rest
“This widow is wearing me out. I am going to settle in her favor.” —Luke 18:5
God wants intercessors to wear Him out, just like the persistent widow was wearing out the corrupt judge (Lk 18:5). Isaiah prophesies that God wants intercessors to never be silent “by day or by night,” giving Him “no rest” in their diligent intercession (see Is 62:6-7). Jesus Himself said in today’s Gospel passage that the Father wants to do justice for those “who call out to Him day and night” (Lk 18:7). In the next verse, Jesus links persistence with the kind of faith He is looking for (Lk 18:8).
Why does the Lord, Who knows all we need before we ask (Mt 6:8, 32) and Who tells us not to rattle on like the pagans (Mt 6:7), also tell us to wear Him out in intercession and persist in faithful prayer day and night? One reason is certainly because He is looking for obedient faith that perseveres. The one who perseveres to the end will be saved (see Lk 21:19).
Sometimes intercession takes all day to be successful (see Ex 17:12ff). Sometimes we must intercede for months or even years. Jesus wants us to persevere. May He never have to ask us: “Why did you falter?” (see Mt 14:31)
Prayer: Father, I do believe You hear and answer prayer. Grant me the grace, faith, fortitude, and love to be an intercessor who trusts You and perseveres.
Promise: “He led forth His people with joy; with shouts of joy, His chosen ones.” —Ps 105:43
Praise: God gave St. Albert the Great an extraordinary intelligence. Albert diligently developed this gift and sought knowledge to “build up the souls of others with it.”
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on Ten Commandments of Intercession, view, download or order our leaflet on our website.)
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