Deacon Paul Nghia Pham
PERSEVERING IN PRAYER
Exodus 17:8–13; 2 Timothy 3:14–4:2; Luke 18:1–8
During World War II, a group of soldiers was trapped behind enemy lines. Supplies were running out, morale was low, and hope seemed lost. Every night, however, one soldier would quietly kneel and pray. His comrades, at first, mocked him: “Do you think your prayers will change this war?” But the soldier replied, “Maybe not the war—but prayer will change me, and give me strength not to give up.” In time, his faith and perseverance inspired the whole unit. They began to pray with him, and somehow they found the courage to endure until rescue came.
Sometimes, we treat prayer as if it’s only about quick results. But Jesus teaches us today in the Gospel of Luke that prayer is much deeper: it is persistence, trust, and faith.
Today’s readings remind us: the family that prays together stays together. Families are under attack, homes are broken, and children often grow up without guidance. Yet, even in a world of chaos, the Lord assures us that prayer has the power to hold families together.
In the first reading from Exodus (17:8–13), we hear of Moses holding up his hands in prayer. When he grew weary, Aaron and Hur supported him, and as long as his hands were raised, Israel prevailed. This shows us that prayer is not only personal but also communal—we need one another to persevere. In our families, sometimes one grows tired; that’s when others must support in prayer.
In the second reading, St. Paul urges Timothy (2 Tim 3:14–4:2) to remain faithful to Scripture and to preach it in season and out of season. Prayer and the Word of God go hand in hand. A family rooted in prayer and Scripture will be strong, able to endure difficulties, and able to pass on the faith to the next generation.
Three points I like to share with you today:
I. We Are to Pray Continually
Jesus begins the parable with this lesson: “We ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Lk 18:1). In family life, it is easy to get discouraged. Parents get tired, children go astray, marriages face strain. Some even pray, “God, it would be easier to give up than to keep going.”
But prayer is what keeps us standing when everything else seems to be falling apart. St. Paul echoes this in 1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.” That doesn’t mean kneeling all day long, but having a heart that turns to God in every circumstance.
St. Augustine once said: “Pray as though everything depended on God; work as though everything depended on you.” Prayer is not a substitute for action but the source of its power.
When prayer is the air we breathe at home—grace before meals, the Rosary together, prayers before bedtime—our homes become filled with God’s presence.
II. We Are to Pray Consistently
In the parable, Jesus describes the widow who kept coming back to the dishonest judge. She didn’t give up. She kept asking, knocking, seeking.
How many of us give up too quickly in prayer? We pray once, twice, maybe three times, and if God doesn’t answer the way we want, we stop. But Jesus is clear: “By their perseverance they will save their lives” (cf. Lk 21:19).
God’s delays are not God’s denials. Sometimes He says, “No,” because what we ask is not good. Sometimes He says, “Slow,” because the time is not right. Sometimes He says, “Grow,” because we need to change first. But when the request is right, the time is right, and we are right, God says, “Go!”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us: “Persevering in love, we are able to pray always. It is always possible to pray” (CCC 2743).
Think of St. Monica, who prayed for her son Augustine for over 20 years. Her tears never ceased. And God rewarded her persistence—Augustine became not only a Christian, but one of the greatest saints and doctors of the Church. Parents, never stop praying for your children. Spouses, never stop praying for your marriage. Children, never stop praying for your parents.
III. We Are to Pray Confidently
Jesus contrasts the corrupt judge with our loving Father. If a corrupt judge could finally give in to the widow’s persistence, how much more will our Heavenly Father, who loves us, respond to His children?
We are not like the widow, and God is not like the judge. The widow had no advocate—we have Christ, our Mediator, and Mary, our Mother, interceding for us. The widow came to a stranger—we come to our Father. The widow begged at a court of law—we approach the throne of grace.
St. Padre Pio said: “Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart.” When we pray with confidence, we invite God into the deepest struggles of our families.
Jesus ends today’s Gospel with a question: “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” (Lk 18:8). In other words—will He find us still praying, still trusting, still persevering?
Conclusion
So, what is the lesson for us today? Prayer is not about changing God’s mind—it’s about changing our hearts, keeping us open to God’s will, and giving us strength to persevere.
Just as Moses persevered in prayer, just as Timothy remained faithful, and just as the widow never gave up, we too must pray continually, consistently, and confidently. If we get Jesus involved in our homes, the truth will shine clearly: the family that prays together stays together.
So I’d like you to take home 3 letters “C” that prayer must be:
- Continual—never give up.
- Consistent—keep returning to God.
- Confident—trust in the Father who loves us.
Continual, Consistent and Confident.
As we are in October the month of Holy Rosary, I invite every family to take one simple step: pray at least one decade of the Rosary together each day. Even five minutes of prayer can transform your home. Let us entrust our families to Mary, and let’s pray out loud together:
Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Optional Final Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You are our strength and our refuge in every trial.
Like Moses, keep our hands lifted in prayer even when we grow weary.
Like Saint Paul, help us remain steadfast in Your Word,
proclaiming it with courage in season and out of season.
And like the persistent widow, give us hearts that never lose hope,
trusting that You always hear the cry of Your children.
Bless our families, Lord.
Unite us in prayer, strengthen us in faith,
and fill our homes with Your peace.
When life becomes difficult and answers seem delayed,
remind us that Your timing is perfect and Your love never fails.
Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
teach us to pray continually, consistently, and confidently—
until the day Your Son returns in glory
and finds faith still burning in our hearts.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer of the Faithful - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
Priest/Celebrant:
God calls us to persevere in prayer without losing heart. With trust in His mercy, let us place our petitions before Him.
1. For the holy Church of God: that, like Moses who raised his arms in prayer, and like the persistent widow who never gave up, the Church may remain steadfast in prayer, proclaiming the Word in season and out of season. Let us pray to the Lord.
2. For peace in our nation and throughout the world: that leaders may seek justice, protect the vulnerable, and work tirelessly for reconciliation where there is division, violence, or war. Let us pray to the Lord.
3. For all who suffer from natural disasters, poverty, and injustice, especially in our local community and across the world: that through the perseverance of God’s people, they may find relief, dignity, and hope. Let us pray to the Lord.
4. For those who labor to uphold truth—teachers, catechists, parents, and all who hand on the faith: that, strengthened by Scripture, they may guide others with wisdom and courage. Let us pray to the Lord.
5. For our beloved dead, especially ……………………, and all those who have gone before us marked with faith: that they may share in the eternal banquet of Christ. Let us pray to the Lord.
6. For our own needs and intentions, and for the special prayer we hold in the silence of our hearts … (pause) … Let us pray to the Lord.
Priest/Celebrant:
Lord God, You never tire of listening to the cries of Your people. In Your mercy, hear and answer our prayers, so that persevering in faith and love, we may one day be welcomed into Your kingdom. Through Christ our Lord.
R/. Amen.