The persistent Widow

CALL TO WORSHIP

Psalm 121

Assurance of God’s Protection

A Song of Ascents. I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and for evermore.

138, Seek ye first the Kingdom of God

A GATHERING PRAYER

Lord, we meet to worship and to bring our prayers. Teach us to be patient as we wait for your response. We know that you hear all our prayers, however they are made and whoever we are. Give us faith to trust your awesome love and care for us. Amen.

A PRAYER OF ADORATION

God, source of life and strength, we approach you with longing hearts and addled minds. May you lift our faces to see you, even when the world is puzzling and unclear. Help us to know you better; and draw close to us today. Amen.

A PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Lord, forgive us when we have closed our eyes to the things that matter, when we have prioritised the trivial surface matters over urgent needs and deep-seated injustice. Forgive us when we have chosen to look away from those who need us the most. Forgive us when we have stretched ourselves so thin that we do not have time and energy for that which you call us to do and to be. Forgive us and restore us, we pray. Give us what we need to live, love and pray persistently, in the power and counsel of your Spirit. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

Loving God, we know you hear us. You not only hear us, you accept us as your children, surrounding us with grace and forgiveness. Thank you for your unconditional love. Amen.

434, Come, O thou Traveller unknown

Introduction

Today, we turn our attention to one of the most mysterious passages in the Old Testament: Genesis 32:22-31. This story, at its heart, is about a night of wrestling—Jacob is alone by the river Jabbok, wrestling with an unknown man until daybreak. So, we are asked what does this ancient struggle have to teach us about our faith, our fears, and our journey with God?

Sometimes, in life we can find ourselves in situations where we must face our fears, our past, and even ourselves. In our reading, Jacob has one of those nights—he spends hours wrestling with a stranger, and the story has a lot to teach us about not giving up, holding on to faith, and letting tough times change us for the better.

READING 1

Genesis 32: 22-31

Jacob’s Journey

Prior to this in Chapter 31 we find Jacob acting as seems to be his way when facing threats as he runs away, this time from Laban Leah and Rachel’s father. We see Laban is cut from the same cloth as Jacob, not someone to be trusted.

Jacob is at a crossroads in his life. He is called by God to return home after many years away and knowing that he about to face his brother Esau. The last time they had been together, Jacob had tricked Esau out of his birth right and blessing, and Esau had threatened to kill him. And so, he fled, now, Jacob sends his family and possessions ahead, is this a measure of his fear of facing his brother, so Jacob spends the night alone on the opposite side of the river, perhaps wracked with anxiety and regret, unsure of his future. How would his brother react to his return?

Wrestling in the Dark

“So, Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak.” Who is this man? The passage offers tantalising clues: some say it was an angel, others suggest it was God Himself. Whatever the case, this was not just a physical contest but a spiritual crisis—a struggle with God, and with himself.

Jacob’s wrestling is a powerful metaphor for our own struggles. Each of us has times when we feel alone in the dark, wrestling with doubt, guilt, for things we should not have done, or out of fear—especially when the future is uncertain, and we don’t know what the next day will bring. When life gets dark and confusing, and we’re left with just our worries and nobody else around, that’s often when we find ourselves wrestling with God, too.

As we confront the uncomfortable truths about ourselves or seek answers in prayer that seem to go unanswered. Life can seem at times like a trial, and we are found guilty, when we call out for God to ease our way, but it is at these times our faith can be built into something new something stronger.

Not Letting Go

In Jacob’s struggle, he is wounded: “The man touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled.” After this night Jacob will walk with a limp for the rest of his life, a permanent reminder of this night. But it’s this very wound that marks the turning point. Jacob refuses to let go, demanding, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

In response, Jacob receives his new name: Israel, “because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” The wound and the blessing come together; Jacob’s limp is a sign not of defeat but of transformation. He is changed, having encountered God face to face.

Jacob wouldn’t let go, even when his hip gets hurt. He hangs on, Real faith isn’t about having it all worked out—it’s about holding on, even when you’re tired and don’t know what’s coming next.

From Fear to Courage

When the sun comes up, Jacob limps away. He’s not the same man anymore. Now, he’s ready to face Esau and own his past. Meeting God in the struggle gave him the strength and courage he needed. In our lives, too, working things out with God helps us make peace with ourselves and others.

Lessons for Us Today

Faith Involves Struggle:

Our relationship with God is not always comfortable or easy. There are times of wrestling, of confronting our weaknesses, and grappling with questions. Yet in the struggle, our faith is deepened and our hearts transformed.

God Meets Us in Our Weakness:

Jacob’s limp is a sign that God doesn’t demand perfection. God meets us as we are, wounds and all, and uses even our brokenness for blessing.

A New Identity in Christ:

Just as Jacob’s name was changed, so too are we invited to claim a new identity in Christ. Through our encounters with God—even those marked by struggle—we become new creations, shaped for a purpose greater than ourselves.

Finding God in the Struggle

As we reflect on Jacob’s night by the river, let’s not forget it is often in the hardest struggles that the deepest blessings are found. I pray we have the courage to wrestle honestly with God, to persevere in faith, and to find ourselves transformed, bearing both the wounds and the blessings of our encounter with the divine.

Genesis 32:22-31 isn’t about God staying away when things get hard—it’s about God showing up in the mess, wrestling with us, blessing us, and sending us off with a reminder that we’re not alone. Even if we limp away from the hard times, we come out stronger and know that God’s been with us through it all.

So, if you’re in a tough spot, don’t give up. Hold on like Jacob did, ask for God’s blessing, and trust that morning will come—and with it, new hope and a fresh start.

675, Have faith in God, my heart  

Introduction

Today’s passage from Luke, presents us with the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge. Jesus tells this story to show His disciples “that they should always pray and not give up.” In a world that often feels unjust and where answers to prayer may seem delayed, this parable offers a lesson about faith, perseverance, and the character of God.

READING 2

Luke 18:1-8

The Parable: An Overview

In today’s passage, Jesus shares a parable about a persistent widow who appeals to a judge for justice, the importance of relentless prayer and faith in God.

In It Jesus describes a judge in a certain town who “neither feared God nor cared what people thought.” In the same town, a widow comes to him, repeatedly seeking justice against her adversary. Widows at the time could own their own property and finances, But it could have been due to a dispute over property, Jesus doesn’t give details of this woman’s situation in the parable, this parable is to emphasise  the difference between a human judgement and God’s, in our reading although the judge initially refuses the pleas of the widow, he eventually grants her request—not out of compassion, but because her persistence becomes a nuisance. He thinks, “because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!” (Luke 18:5)

The Unjust Judge versus the Just God

The contrast given here is very stark. The judge is unjust, indifferent, and self-serving, while God is depicted throughout all Scripture as just, compassionate, and attentive to the cries of His people. Jesus’ point is not that God is like the judge, but rather the opposite. The point he’s making if even an unjust judge can be moved by persistence, “will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?” (Luke 18:7)

This parable reassures us of God’s willingness and eagerness to respond to His children. He doesn’t get weary of our prayers, neither does He answer grudgingly. His justice, as we all at time find is not always be immediate in our human terms, need to be tempered with the knowledge that God is attentive and faithful.

The Call to Perseverance in Prayer

Jesus explicitly introduces the parable as a lesson in persistence: “always pray and do not give up.” The widow’s perseverance is a model for us. In the face of apparent silence, discouragement, or even injustice, we are encouraged to keep praying. Persistent prayer is an expression of trust in God’s character and timing.

It can so easily become disheartening when our prayers seem unanswered. Yet, Jesus assures us that perseverance matters. God values our faith and our persistence, because it demonstrates that we trust Him even before we see the outcome.

Faith and Expectation

The parable concludes with a searching question from Jesus: “However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8) The challenge is not only to persist in prayer but also to do so with faith—believing that God hears, cares, and will act according to His perfect will.

True faith is not only about belief but endurance. It is the kind of faith that keeps going, that refuses to let go of God, even when circumstances seem contrary.

Application

The question is:

· Are we persistent in our prayers, or do we give up easily? The widow’s example invites us to keep coming before God, even when answers seem delayed. This message encourages Christians to remain steadfast in their prayers, especially in times of hardship and injustice, reminding us that God hears our cries and is faithful to respond.

· In the early days of the church, the disciples faced countless trials and persecutions. Yet, they gathered to pray fervently, believing God would intervene. Acts 12 tells how Peter was imprisoned, but the church continued praying earnestly for him. Miraculously, his chains fell off, and he walked out of prison. This biblical illustration stands as a testimony to the power of persistent prayer, reminding us that even when circumstances seem bleak, our prayers can open doors we never imagined.

· Do we trust in the character of God? Unlike the unjust judge, God is just and loving. Our repeated prayers are never a bother to Him. The Bible reading teaches that persistence in prayer is not just about the act of asking but also about developing a deeper relationship with God and trusting in His timing and justice

How do we respond to apparent injustice or delay we see around us? Jesus calls us to keep faith and not lose heart, trusting in God’s ultimate justice and timing.

Persistent prayer leads to powerful results, demonstrating our trust in God's perfect timing and justice.

Conclusion

Luke 18:1-8 invites us to this life of persistent prayer and unwavering faith. We are called to trust that God is just, that He hears our cries, and that He will respond—not reluctantly, but with love and righteousness. May we, like the widow, approach God with tenacious faith, and may our lives bear witness to a faith that persists, expects, and endures.

Let’s pray for hearts that do not grow weary, and for faith that keeps seeking, knocking, and trusting—knowing that our God is far greater and kinder than any judge, and He delights in answering the prayers of His people.

OFFERING DURING HYMN

267, Love divine, all loves excelling

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION

Lord, thank you that you are our place of help. Where others fail us and circumstances change, you remain and you are unchanging. Your love supports us, underpinning us with a strength beyond ourselves. We praise you for your passion for justice, for your kindness towards your people. We thank you that you call us to a life-giving existence, that we may give and receive in your name, learning your ways and caring for your world. Amen.

Lord God, just as the widow persisted, we persist in our prayers of intercession.

Lord, we lift our eyes to you. Hear our cries for justice, mercy and peace.

We pray for all involved in our justice system, for police officers, judges, lawyers and all who uphold the law. We pray for all who work in our prisons and for all those serving prison sentences.

Lord, we lift our eyes to you. Hear our cries for justice, mercy and peace.

We pray for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Russian strikes have again targeted civilians. For Somalia. And for aid workers everywhere. We pray for safe passage for lorries and workers to reach those in need.

Lord, we lift our eyes to you. Hear our cries for justice, mercy and peace.

We pray for families everywhere. We pray for widows, orphans, the needy and the vulnerable. We pray for our own loved ones and for our communities. For those who are fearing the prospect of blackouts this winter and dreading escalating debt due to the ever-spiralling cost of living.

Lord, we lift our eyes to you. Hear our cries for justice, mercy and peace.

We pray for all who preach your word, Lord. For all Christian leaders in our churches. For all your people. You call us to pray, to work at it and not give up. You care about every detail in our lives, from the smallest to the more complex. We place all into your hands, for on you we can depend.

Lord, we lift our eyes to you. Hear our cries for justice, mercy and peace. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name,

Thy Kingdom come,

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven,

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us,

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,

Forever and ever Amen.

378, Be, thou, my Vision.

BLESSING

Lord our God, you promise to stay awake, you protect us, you hear all of our prayers, you want us to keep talking to you. You are God of everything and we look up to you. Bless us as we trust in you. Send us out to live and work and pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen.