One of the benefits of cell phones is that we now have virtually unlimited access to others. As a result, many people talk on the phone or text even while drivingsometimes resulting in terrible car crashes. To avoid such disasters, many areas of the world have made distracted driving illegal. In the United States, highway signs are popping up to remind drivers of special cell phone zones where they can pull off the road to safely talk and text to their hearts delight.
While it is a good idea to restrict mobile phone communication for drivers, there is another kind of communication that has no restrictions: prayer. God invites us to call on Him whether we are coming, going, or sitting still. In the New Testament, Pauls words advise each person who wants to communicate with God to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Paul brackets this divine open-door policy by encouraging us to rejoice always (v. 16) and to give thanks in all circumstances (v. 18). God calls us to joy and thanksgivingexpressions of faith in God through Christ anchored in continual prayer.
God is available for our quick cry or for a lengthy conversation. He welcomes us into a relationship with Him, a constant and endless sharing of our joys and gratitude, needs, questions, and concerns (Hebrews 4:1516). We are always in the prayer zone.
INSIGHT
As in todays text, we find helpful teaching on prayer in Luke 18:18. The parable of the persistent widow contrasts the widows plight and a believers privilege. In this parable, the widow perseveres in getting an unjust judge to give her the justice she needs.
Like the widow, were desperately helpless. But unlike the widow, who is a stranger to the judge, were God's beloved children (Romans 8:16). The widow went to a court of law claiming mans laws, but we approach the throne of grace claiming Gods promises (Hebrews 4:1416). The callous judge didnt care, but our heavenly Father cares deeply for us (1 Peter 5:7). She didnt have easy access to the judge, but we have unhindered access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18). Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into Gods presence to talk with our Father and to ask for His help any time (Ephesians 3:12 nlt).
How does knowing we can talk with God face to face, as one speaks to a friend (Exodus 33:11) encourage you in your prayers?