God never tires of hearing our prayers. Pray always and don’t give up.

The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
Psalm 121:7-8 (NLT)

A Prayer for the Week:
O God, please give us everything we need to work well for you this week. Amen. (2 Timothy 3:17)

Mealtime Prayer:
Lord, in your name we drink and sup; teach us to pray and not give up. Help us to look to you this day, and show our thanks in all we say. Amen.

A Blessing to Give:
May the Lord keep you from all harm and watch over your life. May God watch over you as you come and go, now and forever. Amen. (Psalm 121:7-8)

CARING
CONVERSATION
Discuss in your household or small group:
• Who do you turn to when you’re in trouble? Why?
• Share about a time when you asked God for help.
• Jesus taught us that God never gets sick of hearing our prayers, even
when we ask for the same things over and over again. What does this
teach us about God?

DEVOTIONS
The people cry out to God day and night (Luke 18.7). This week, use Martin Luther’s Morning and Evening Prayers each day.
Morning: I thank you, O God, through your dear Son, Jesus Christ, that you have protected me through the night from all harm and danger. I ask you to keep me this day, too, from all sin and evil, so that in all my thoughts, words and deeds I may please you. In your hands I place my body and soul and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the evil one may have no power over me. Amen.
Evening: I thank you, O God, through your dear Son, Jesus Christ, that you have graciously protected me today. I ask you to forgive all my sins and the wrong which I have done. And graciously keep me this night. In your hands I place my body and soul and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the evil one may have no power over me. Amen.

SERVICE
Jesus told a parable about a woman who “bothered” the judge in her town until he gave in and listened to her. Find out the names of the local magistrate/s in your town or region. Send them a letter or card of encouragement and support, and pray that they will have the strength and courage to make wise and good decisions in their work.

RITUALS AND TRADITIONS
Jesus encouraged his followers to persist in prayer and to “not give up” (Luke 18:1). Start a home prayer journal as a tool to encourage and guide your household prayers. Purchase or make a small book. Keep a running list of prayer points, noting the date you commenced prayer for each item. Cross prayer points off once the need for prayer has passed or the prayer has been answered. The journal will help to both direct your prayers and draw your attention to God’s responses. Expect God to hear and answer your prayers!

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Lectionary readings for this Sunday.
We invite you to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passages.
Sunday Luke 18:1-8 Parable of the persistent widow
Monday Mark 10:46-52 An example of persistence
Tuesday Luke 22:39-46 Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives
Wednesday Matthew 15:21-28 The faith of a Canaanite woman
Thursday James 5:13-18 The prayer of faith
Friday Genesis 18:16-33 Abraham pleads for Sodom
Saturday Psalm 57 I cry out to the God Most High
Sunday Luke 18:9-14 A Pharisee and tax collector pray