"If He has said much about prayer, it is because He knows we have much need of it", Charles Spurgeon

Often parables can have hidden meanings. But in Luke 18, Jesus tells his disciples a parable with a very clear message and intention. He makes it plain exactly what the parable is about before he tells it: it was "to show them that they should always pray and not give up" (see Luke 18:1 and the parable of the Persistant Widow)

As we near the end of our week of prayer, the encouragement is of course for us to continue in prayer- to keep praying and not give up. But rather than this being a burden of duty, pray that God would teach us to delight in prayer (see Psalm 37:4). 

I love to listen to the words Charles Spurgeon. Here is how he gives us perspective in our attitude towards the call to ongoing prayer:

"Necessity!—I hardly like to talk of that! Let me rather speak of the deliciousness of prayer—the wondrous sweetness and divine felicity (ie; bliss) which comes to the soul that lives in the atmosphere of prayer!" Charles Spurgeon

As we read through Psalm 34, we get words which describe this wondrous sweetness. May we all "taste and see that the Lord is good"

Pray the Bible: Psalm 34:1-8

I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me:
let us exalt his name together.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.

Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.