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  EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS ON LUKE - LUKE 18:1-8
  by J.C. Ryle
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THE PARABLE OF THE PERSISTENT WIDOW

The object of the parable before us, is explained by Christ Himself. To
use the words of an old divine, "The key hangs at the door." "He spoke a
parable to this end; that men ought always to pray, and not to give up."
These words, be it remembered, are closely connected with the solemn
doctrine of the second advent, with which the preceding chapter
concludes. It is prayer without fainting, during the long weary
intervals between the first and second advents, which Jesus is urging
His disciples to keep up. In that interval we ourselves are standing.
The subject therefore is one which ought to possess a special interest
in our eyes.

These verses teach us firstly, the great importance of perseverance in
prayer. Our Lord conveys this lesson by telling the story of a
friendless widow, who obtained justice from a wicked magistrate, by dint
of sheer importunity. "Though I fear not God, nor regard man," said the
unjust judge, "yet because this widow troubles me, I will see that she
gets justice, lest by her continual coming she weary me." Our Lord
Himself supplies the application of the parable--"And will not God bring
about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?
Will he keep putting them off?" If importunity obtains so much from a
wicked man, how much more will it obtain for the children of God from
the Righteous Judge, their Father in heaven!

The subject of PRAYER ought always to be interesting to Christians.
Prayer is the very life-breath of true Christianity. Here it is that
religion begins. Here it flourishes. Here it decays. Prayer is one of
the first evidences of conversion. (Acts 9:11.) Neglect of prayer is the
sure road to a fall. (Matt. 26:40, 41.) Whatever throws light on the
subject of prayer is for our soul\

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/jc-ryle/expository-thoughts-on-luke-luke-181-8/
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