Then he told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’ For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’ The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Luke 18:1-8 (NABRE)
One would hope so.
Jesus mentions prayer by day and by night. Nighttime is when the world sleeps and when we take our rest. It is often when we are spent and ready to collapse into a warm bed, or an occasion for going out and doing whatever mischief people do when they go out at night. Yet, this is precisely when Jesus wants us to pray. He sets an example for us by praying fervently to His Father, at night, in the Garden of Gethsemane before His arrest. He is obviously trying to convey to us the importance of nocturnal prayer.
In situating His prayer time during the night, when people are otherwise sleeping or carousing, Jesus demonstrates to us that in Him we find out rest and refreshment. In Him we find what will truly satisfy. Sleep is good for the body and is a worthy and rejuvenating endeavor. However, we have a destination where true rest and fulfillment will be enjoyed by us for life everlasting. The Way to this heavenly home is Jesus Himself (John 14:6). He gives us peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Sleep has its important place, as does enjoying a modest time with friends. The peace and rest we find in living in close companionship with Jesus as we venture towards Heaven, however, surpasses all else that we can experience on this earth.
When we feel tired as we say our prayers at night, let it be a reminder that we will have no complete rest until we meet Jesus in Heaven.
Thank you for reading. Peace.
Eat the Scroll 