When We Want To Give Up

Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary [ . . . ] “But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” // Luke 18:1, 8

Pray without ceasing. Never give up. God hears you.

I grew up learning the importance of prayer, and—by way of frequent exposure in Catholic school—committing to memory myriad words from Scripture and the Saints, all summed up with “Pray without ceasing.”

But if you’ve known long-lasting struggle, you may feel like I do: praying without becoming weary or giving up is much easier said than done.

Take a moment to imagine the longest-running intention in your life. Maybe you’ve been praying for healing from chronic pain or for reconciliation in a strained relationship. Maybe you’re certain what God’s call is for your life, but you’re still waiting for the job offer, the loving relationship, a baby in your marriage, the welcome into a religious order. 

How has your prayer changed as the days pass and the Lord’s answer is yet to come? I’ll be honest with you, sister. My prayer weakens in the waiting. 

Instead of growing bolder, as I imagine the widow in today’s Gospel to be, I tend to grow complacent in prayer. The days pass, and the fervor that initially burned in my heart dwindles.

But the widow in Jesus’ parable persisted. Her hunger for justice kept burning in her heart, and she boldly kept asking. 

Jesus’ question about faith at the end of the parable reveals a secret to me about prayer. I think Jesus connects faith to praying without becoming weary because faith strengthens us. Faith gives us endurance. Faith in God’s promise keeps us praying.

As our faith grows, so does our ability to persist in prayer, to not grow weary, to hold tight to hope that God will answer in His perfect timing. 

Bring your longest-running intentions back to the Lord with renewed faith and vigor today, sister. I’m praying with you. 

Lord, You desire only the good for us. Increase our faith. Give us boldness and persistence. If our hearts grow weary, may the Holy Spirit pray for and with us. Thank You for hearing us. Jesus, I trust You. Amen.