Losing Heart

In Luke 18, Jesus presents two parables that focus on prayer and perseverance. The first tells of a persistent widow who pleads with an unjust judge until he finally grants her request, not because of justice but because of her relentless persistence. The second portrays a Pharisee and a tax collector praying in the temple. The Pharisee lists his religious accomplishments, while the tax collector simply cries out, "God, be merciful to me, the sinner!"

Taken together, these parables show how easily we can lose heart in prayer. The widow might have lost heart because of delay, but she pressed on. The tax collector might have lost heart because of shame. Burdened by guilt and painfully aware of his failings, he had no record of good deeds to offer, no reason to expect mercy–only a desperate plea for grace. His temptation to give up on prayer was far greater than the Pharisee's, who at least felt confident in his self-made righteousness. Yet Jesus declares that it was the tax collector who went home justified.

This is a vital lesson: God is not moved by delay or appearances but by faith. If an unjust judge can be swayed by persistence, how much more will a loving Father hear the cries of His children? And if a sinner who feels unworthy dares to approach God, that prayer of humility is more powerful than the empty boasting of the self-righteous. The Lord closes this teaching with a sobering question: "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8). Prayer is not just about receiving answers but about sustaining faith until Christ returns. Losing heart in prayer leads to losing faith altogether, for prayer is the lifeline of trust between the believer and God.

Thus, Jesus' call is simple yet urgent: Do not lose heart. Persist in prayer with humility, knowing that God hears, God cares, and God will answer according to His perfect will. Faith is proven not in a moment of triumph but in the long journey of trust. When He comes, may He find in us a faith that has not fainted, a hope that has not quit, and a prayer that has not ceased.