Persevering Prayer

Luke 18:1-8

And let us specially learn the lesson as we pray for the Church of Christ. She is indeed as the poor widow, in the absence of her Lord, apparently at the mercy of her adversary, helpless to obtain redress. Let us, when we pray for His Church or any portion of it, under the power of the world, asking Him to visit her with the mighty workings of His Spirit and to prepare her for His coming, let us pray in the assured faith: prayer does help, praying always and not fainting will bring the answer. Only give God time. And then keep crying day and night. ‘Hear what the unrighteous judge saith. And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry to Him day and night, and He is long-suffering over them. I say unto you, He will avenge them speedily.’ Andrew Murray


Holy God, our Episcopal Church staggers and groans. To the world (and even to many of us in the church) we look to be drunk, deranged or dying. But you have shown us, through your saints across time and place, that these agonies can be the pains of birth, and that we can bear new life that will prosper in your service. Give us the Holy Spirit to guide us through these spasms and groanings. Bring forth the life of Christ that is too great for us to hold back but that we are afraid to let out. Open our church again, that Christ’s real presence may come forth and bring your love, your compassion, your hope and your glory to the whole creation. Let the Episcopal Church experience new life, and let us quickly and unreservedly consecrate that life to you. With Hannah, Monnica and all those who were not ashamed to cry out, we call on you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Prayer and meditation by Fr. Tim Fountain at Lent and Beyond