Keep praying. Keep inviting. Keep asking (Luke 18:1–8, Matthew 7:7–8)

"One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up..." Luke 18:1

In Luke 18:1–8, Jesus reveals the heart of prayer. A powerless widow refuses to stop asking. The judge is indifferent. She keeps coming. She keeps speaking. She keeps knocking.

Why?
Because she believes justice is possible.

Jesus says He told this story so we “should always pray and not give up.” The issue is not information. God already knows our needs. The issue is faith that stays. Her repetition is not doubt. It is conviction voiced again and again.

New followers of Jesus, this is your moment.

You’ve begun a life with Christ. You’ve tasted His mercy. You’ve felt His forgiveness. Now the question becomes simple. Will you carry the names of your loved ones before the Father with that same persistence?

Faithfulness, not one-and-done conversations, is the measure. The widow kept coming. And Jesus asks in verse 8, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” Faith is not passive belief. It is endurance.

Jesus reinforces this in Matthew 7:7–8. “Ask… seek… knock.” The verbs point to continuous action. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking.

Luke 11:5–13 adds another picture. A man knocks at midnight for bread. He keeps knocking until the door opens. Jesus ends the story by saying, “How much more will your Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask.” If an irritated neighbor responds, how much more a loving Father.

The standard is not convenience. It is covenant confidence.

The rest of Scripture backs this rhythm.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 — pray continually.
• Romans 12:12 — be faithful in prayer.
• James 5:16 — prayer is powerful and effective.

The early church lived this. In Acts 12 they prayed earnestly for Peter in prison. They did not stop. God moved.

So when you invite someone into your faith journey and they ask, “Why do you keep asking me this?” do not be discouraged. That question may be evidence that your love is steady and your faith is visible.

Persistence is not pressure. It is love expressed through prayer again and again.

The unjust judge acted because he was worn down. God acts because He is good. The widow had no leverage. You have a Savior who intercedes for you. Hebrews 7:25 says Jesus “always lives to intercede” for you. Your persistence mirrors His.

So keep praying. Keep inviting. Keep asking.
Not with anxiety but with trust.
Not with manipulation but with humility.
Not once. As often as love requires.

Jesus seeks faith that stays. Faith that knocks again. Faith that believes God hears day and night.

May your loved ones one day say, “You never stopped praying for me.”
And may heaven testify that you did not give up.