Knock, Knocking at Heaven's Door: The Parable of the Widow, Part II

The purpose of this parable was that “men ought always to pray, and not to faint…”  So, to use the KJV’s word, why do we “faint”?

Well, our focus is on our prayer… 

·       Not being answered

·       Not being answered in the way we desire

·       Taking way too long

·       Being overtaken by other needs

Well, what is the focus of the parable?  The focus is on the judge’s character, not on the widow’s prayer or the circumstances surrounding her.  Jesus sketches out the judge’s character, but not that of the widow or of her complaint. 

Our focus needs to stay on the Father’s character.  Think of prayer as a way to get to know God better.  Prayer is more than a recitation of our needs, which He already knows.  He desires fellowship with us, and prayer is that place of meeting.

Remember the Tabernacle in the book of Exodus?  This temporary structure was ordained by God to be built to very specific instructions, while the children of Israel were living in the desert.  It was portable and it could be taken from place to place.  Once it was set up, God’s presence came down and resided in it.  It was called the Place of Meeting.  That is what prayer is, a place to meet and get to know God.  Yes, He, like the judge, knows of your life, its challenges and your needs.  But, the heart of God longs for interaction with you, not just a quick reminder that what you’ve asked for hasn’t come about yet. 

We do not faint because our faith is in God:  

My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.  He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalm 121:2-4)

Our faith is not in our faith:

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast… (Eph. 2:8-9)

Our faith is not in our words: 

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Rom. 8:26-7)

Our faith is in God. Read those passages that speak of His character. God is the very opposite of the judge in the parable: He is utterly reliable and regards us as His children.