LUKE 18:1–8

Prayer is faith in action, faith staying awake.

Jesus begins Luke 18 with a parable “to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” A widow, powerless and unheard, keeps coming before an unjust judge with one cry: “Grant me justice.” She has no status, no influence, no leverage — only persistence.

I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Lk 18:8)

Jesus’ point is not that God is reluctant like the judge. It is the opposite. If even an unjust judge eventually responds, how much more will our loving Father hear His people who cry out to Him day and night?

Then Jesus ends with the searching question: “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

This is a timely word for us as the church as we enter our Love Singapore 40 Days of Prayer from now til our National Day on 9th August. We are reminded that prayer is not just a Christian activity to be added to a busy schedule.

Prayer is faith in action, faith staying awake. Prayer is faith refusing to accept the status quo, faith not growing cold. Prayer is faith saying, “Lord, we still believe You hear. We still believe You care. We still believe Your Kingdom will come in our lives, our church, our families, and our nation.”

Many of us know what it is to pray and not yet see the answer. We pray for loved ones, for youths, for righteousness, for healing, for Singapore, for revival – and sometimes the waiting feels long. But Jesus gently commands us not to lose heart.

Persistence in prayer is not about wearing God down. It is about a lifestyle of holding on to God regardless. It is about prioritising prayer, showing up to pray and never stopping in ceaseless prayer. It takes courage and strength to keep returning to Him when we are tired, distracted, disappointed, or unsure.

Have we developed the basic spiritual habit of not just personal prayer for ourselves and our loved ones, but prayer that extends to the Oneness of the body of Christ, the salvation of those who are lost and the contending for the destiny of our Nation? Are we mighty in prayer as much as we are filled with God’s
blessings?

As we pray and fast in this season, may the Lord find in us ready to respond to Him. May this 40 days season be a spiritual awakening for some, and for others another season of faithful, persistent prayer for Singapore, Her Church, Her leaders and Her destiny. Let’s all do it together!