If the persistent widow did not have faith in the judge’s power to act on her behalf, she would have just given up. In the same way, our faith and trust in God should keep us in the game of prayer, believing that God has the power to enact justice and peace in our lives and in our world. In this parable, Jesus speaks to God’s generosity of spirit in terms of answering prayers. Notice how many times the word “justice” comes up in this reading. I wonder if Jesus is also encouraging his hearers to consider the nature of their prayers.
Would the answer to your prayer lead to any “collateral damage”? Are there negative outcomes for others at the answer to your prayer? Would your good outcome be bad for someone else?
Think of something you have been praying for and are still waiting for those prayers to come to fruition. Think also of answered prayers. In prayer, lift up those prayers that remain unresolved and give thanks for those God has acted upon.
