The Parable of the Persistent Widow

Luke 18

¹ Then He spoke a parable to them, that men _a always ought to pray and not lose heart, ² saying: "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor ₁ regard man. ³ "Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ₂ 'Get justice for me from my adversary.' ⁴ "And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man, ⁵ _b 'yet because this widow troubles me I will ₃ avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.' " ⁶ Then the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said. ⁷ "And _c shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? ⁸ "I tell you _d that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"

1. Cross References
   Luke 11:5 - 10
   And He said to them, "Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves.
   Romans 12:12
   Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.
   Ephesians 6:18
   Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints -
   Colossians 4:2
   Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
   1 Thessalonians 5:17
   Pray without ceasing.
   
2. Cross References
   Luke 11:8
   I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.
   
3. Cross References
   Revelation 6:10
   And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?
   
4. Cross References
   Hebrews 10:37
   For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
   2 Peter 3:8
   But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
   2 Peter 3:9
   The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.