Faith Daily | 12 November 2022

PRAYER of the DAY - APBA p

Blessed God,

you have caused all holy Scriptures to be written

for our learning:

grant that we may so hear them,

read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them,

that, by patience and the comfort of your holy word,

we may embrace and ever hold fast

the blessed hope of everlasting life,

which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.

GOSPEL for the Day: Luke 18: 1-8

Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my opponent.’ 4For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’” 6And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? 8I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

GOSPEL REFLECTION: Rev’d Josie

Jesus seems to hold a special place in his heart for widows. They have lost their life partner, their source of income and support, the father to their children and basis of status in a status given time. They are among the most vulnerable in the community, contending with constant discrimination based on gender, poverty and social status. Perhaps this is why the gospels persistently portray them as prophetic, active in their faith and in sharing the good things of God.

We are encouraged in this reading to be persistent in our prayers, assured that God will give us not necessarily what we ask for, but what we need – justice, mercy and love. And perhaps we are reminded that true faith is not always found where we expect, but in the mouths, hands and hearts of the most vulnerable, even despised, among us, should we only look.

FINAL PRAYER APBA p595

Lord, tireless guardian of your people,

teach us to rely, day and night, on your care.

Drive us to seek your justice and your help,

and support our prayer lest we grow weary,

for in you alone is our strength.

We make our prayer through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.