“[Jesus] then told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not become discouraged” (Luke 18:1).

Christians know what prayer is, but many of us don’t realize the effective tool that it is and the weight that it carries.

Luke 18 is a beautiful parable, depicting a widow who needed justice and kept coming before an unjust judge, pleading her case and demanding an answer. Finally, the unjust judge became so irritated with the woman that he granted her request.

No matter how many times she was denied, the widow was persistent in going back until she got what she came for. This is a picture of fervent and effectual prayer.

How much more will God, being a just judge, answer us when we pray?

Prayer has many different forms. It can be a simple conversation with God, or it can be intentional intercession — standing in the stead of someone else, pleading on his or her behalf.

Regardless of circumstance or season, prayer should be something that is never far from our lips. Martin Luther said, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”

Prayer is the sword you wield against the onslaught of the enemy; it can move mountains, and it can bring freedom to the wounded soul. Prayer is the language of heaven. When you pray, you learn how to communicate with the heart of God.

Today, interact with God; verbalize the things of your heart through prayer. It changes everything.