In Luke 18, we read about the story of a widow’s persistent request to the judge for justice. Jesus told this story to teach us the need to pray continually and not to give up, even if it appears that the answer to our prayer is delayed. God is certainly not an unjust judge who must be harassed before He responds to us. He is our loving Father, who cares about us and hears us when we cry out to Him. Regular, persistent prayer draws us closer to God. Our Heavenly Father welcomes our prayer and encourages us to approach Him. He hears us and will come to our aid in ways we may not expect. As we bring our needs before God, “day and night” (Luke 18:7) and walk with the One who already knows our needs, we learn to trust God and wait patiently for His response. — James 5:16