The parable of the persistent widow is built on the contrast between our loving Heavenly Father and the corrupt character of an unjust judge. Even that unjust judge eventually did justice to a persistent widow. We don’t have to recite our needs in prayer over and over mechanically, hoping that by repetition, our requests will be granted. Prayer is a conversation with a dear friend who knows our situation but never gets tired of listening. The context of this parable, which is bookended between two statements about the second coming, gives a proper perspective on what is essential in life and what we should be talking about in our prayers. What is critical for our salvation will be granted without delay.
