Bothersome Prayer

March 3, 2020

At first glance, the stories are just strung together without any particular connection, but in reality, they comprise a unified teaching on prayer. It’s found in Luke 18 where Jesus tells two stories—The Unjust Judge, The Pharisee and the Tax Collector, followed by two incidents—Jesus blessing the children and Luke’s version of the Rich Young Ruler. He apparently told the two stories in succession, but there is no indication of when the incidents occurred. They are supplied here by Luke for the purpose of furthering Jesus’ teaching on prayer. If you want to hear it directly, read the chapter. I’ll supply the outline and my own conclusions.

The Unjust Judge is a lesson on perseverance. The woman refused to be ignored, and was rewarded for her tenacity. If an unjust judge can be hounded into doing his job, how much more will the Righteous Judge hear the cry of his children when they persevere in prayer? The Pharisee and the Tax Collector is a lesson on humility. The Pharisee thought himself a cut above others. Jesus’ rebuke is sharp: “He prayed to himself.” Pride kills prayer. 

The incidents Luke recalls following these teachings adds another layer to the lessons. Prayer must be offered in childlike simplicity, simply coming to Jesus for blessing, fully expecting he will do so. Lastly, the rich man who came to Jesus was doing everything right in his personal life, but was neglecting the needs of the poor around him. Prayer that fails to take into its scope the needs of others is no prayer at all.

It’s hard to say which of these stories pegs me most clearly. I struggle with persistence in prayer. If an answer isn’t soon forthcoming, too easily I move on to something else, which exposes my lack of urgency and seriousness. Having been raised in the church and by God’s grace having avoided what some call “more grievous” sins, it can be tempting to pass judgment on others—in effect, setting myself up as God and praying to me. 

Simplicity can also be a problem. How often have I come to Christ with ulterior motives, with doubts and questions instead of simple faith. And it is patently obvious to me how frequently my prayers revolve around me and those closest to me, totally oblivious to the glaring need outside of my immediate circle.

Someone once complained to his pastor about all the things in the Bible he didn’t understand. “I’m not bothered by the things in the Bible I don’t understand,” the pastor replied. “It’s the things I do understand that trouble me.” I understand Luke 18, and it bothers me. It’s good that it does, for it means the Holy Spirit hasn’t given up on me, for which I am thankful tonight.