k e p t /‘ k e p t /

(verb) to stay or continue in; remain on or in, usually against opposition; held.

Read: Luke 18

It’s seven days to Christmas, in a word and a prayer.

Kept - it means, to stay or continue in; remain on or in, usually against opposition; held.

In Luke chapter eighteen, Jesus tells a parable about always praying and not losing heart. “He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying,” ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’ ... And the Lord said ... Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?’” Luke 18:2-8

~ PRAY ~

Father God,

It’s remarkable, really, that You desire persistence in our praying. Not because You don’t hear us the first, second, or third time. And not because You want us to grow weary or confused.

No, quite the opposite in fact.

You desire persistence because persistence demands faith. And it is our faith that keeps on pleasing You. It is our faith that keeps us holding on tight, no matter what may come against us. It is our faith that keeps us tethered to You, confident in Hope and assured of what we cannot see.

Lord, whether we come with hearts that are happy or heavy, curious or content, fired-up or free, make us brave keepers of all that is good and glory-giving to You, for as long as it takes. And help us not forget, in our persistence, You are purifying.

For everything, there is a season. So in all our holding on, may we remember, You are holding us.

Glory to God, Amen.

Reflect:

What is a keyword, phrase, or sentence from the prayer that shines more light on your heart? Why?

How can you take one step of persistent obedience today?