Luke 18:1 makes an interesting summary statement: "Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart." The parable is about a widow who persisted in asking for justice from an unjust judge. He eventually granted her petition in order to get rid of her. What an unrighteous human does in exasperation, a righteous God will more readily and certainly do. Therefore, continue to seek from God any good thing you desire.

We need to heed this advice in the face of chronic illness, persistent addictions, and failed medical treatments. Do not lose heart. Do not lose faith, for faith fuels persistent prayer. We do not always know what the answer will be and so cannot place our faith in a particular outcome ("I believe God will make me well"). But we can know that God hears and cares and so place our faith in some kind of blessing --- a reduction in pain; a clearing of the mind inspite of medications; an increase in energy and strength so that a needed task can be accomplished; a releasing of resentments; a willingness to forgive and be reconciled; an inner peace that allows a full night's sleep; an ability to walk through the valley of the shadow of death without fear; or a reversal of symptoms.