Prayer can sometimes feel like shouting into the void. We pray and pray, yet it seems like our words don't make it past the ceiling. In those moments, we wonder if God is listening or if He's chosen to remain silent.

But Jesus has a powerful message for us about persistence in prayer that can transform our prayer life and renew our faith.

What Does Jesus Teach About Persistent Prayer?

In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells a parable specifically "to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart." The story features two characters: a persistent widow seeking justice and an unjust judge who "neither feared God nor respected man."

The widow repeatedly comes to this judge seeking justice against her adversary. Initially, the judge refuses to help, but eventually gives in, saying, "Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow is bothering me, I will give her justice so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming."

Jesus then makes his point clear: "And will not God give justice to his elect who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you he will give justice to them speedily."

Why Do We Stop Praying?

Many believers stop praying not because they don't believe in God, but because they think He has stopped listening. When we've prayed for something for days, months, or even years without seeing results, we can become discouraged.

But Jesus's message is clear: keep going. Don't stop praying.

Is God Annoyed By Our Repeated Prayers?

Unlike the unjust judge who gave in because he was annoyed, God is not irritated by our persistent prayers. He doesn't think, "Oh no, it's them again with the same request."

God values perseverance over polish in our prayers. It's not about what you say or how you say it—it's about your faithful persistence in coming to Him. Prayer is about participating in God's sovereign plan and recognizing our need for Him.

How Should We Pray When We Feel Like Giving Up?

When you feel like giving up, pray about that too. Tell God honestly how you feel. He has big shoulders and can handle your frustration, anger, or disappointment.

You don't need fancy words or perfect theology to pray effectively. As believers, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ—who takes our imperfect prayers and presents them perfectly before God.

What Can We Learn From Jesus's Own Prayer Life?

In Matthew 26:44, we see Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane before His crucifixion. The verse tells us, "So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again."

If our Savior was persistent in prayer, not trying to find new words but simply returning to pray the same prayer multiple times, shouldn't we follow His example? When you feel like your words aren't getting through, remember they are. Just keep praying.

How Does Faith Connect With Persistent Prayer?

Jesus ends the parable with a challenging question: "Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" This suggests that persistent prayer is a mark of genuine faith.

True faith isn't just believing that God can do something; it's consistently depending on Him to act according to His will. Faith keeps showing up when you're ready to throw in the towel. Instead of giving up, throw up your hands in surrender to God.

What If God's Answer Seems Delayed?

Remember the story of Lazarus? When he was sick, Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus, but He deliberately waited until Lazarus had died before coming. In their timeline, Jesus was too late—the funeral was over, and Lazarus was buried.

But Jesus had a greater purpose that required waiting. Sometimes when it seems God is delaying, He has greater glory planned than we could imagine. His timing is perfect, even when it doesn't align with our expectations.

How Can We Structure Our Prayers?

One helpful approach to prayer is the ACTS method:

This framework can help guide your prayers, especially when you're not sure what to say.

Life Application

Don't stop praying. When you feel like giving up on prayer, remember that persistence is a sign of faith. This week, commit to being persistent in your prayers, even when you don't see immediate results.

Challenge yourself to:

Ask yourself:

Remember: Don't give up on the person you've almost stopped believing for. Don't give up on the promise you've almost stopped claiming. God sees, God hears, and God will answer in His time and for His glory.