It would be nice if some loving, powerful force would always be at our side to protect us. The author of Wisdom looked back over Israel's history and could see the powerful presence of God everywhere. Throughout Israel's enslavement in Egypt, God was there. And when the time was right, God led his people out of Egypt with great wonders and signs of power. If we look back over our own lives we will probably see that God has always been with us - even if in a less dramatic way. God has given us what we needed - not necessarily what we wanted - and has led us to where we are today. It's not a guarantee of an easy life, just a life in which we are never alone and always blessed by the presence and support of God.

It seems strange to use a sleazy, corrupt judge in a parable about prayer. But Jesus deliberately told humorous stories taken from the everyday experience of the people to make his point. His audience probably laughed at the judge giving in to the widow just to get rid of her. Here the point is the importance of persistence in prayer. In a sense, Jesus is telling his followers to 'nag' God and to make themselves a nuisance in heaven by their persistent prayer. Half-hearted and lazy attempts at prayer will not do - we must approach prayer with intensity, fervor, conviction, and persistence. Prayer is power - let us use it wisely.