The Upper Room Devotional 2 July 2026, Thursday Message
Don’t Give Up!
Peter Caligiuri (Florida, USA)
Today’s Reading
Luke 18:1-8
Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. – Luke 18:1 (NIV)
God knows that there are days when we feel like giving up on prayer. Maybe we think there are bigger problems in the world, or we feel that God isn’t interested. Yet, instead of just admonishing us to pray more, Jesus told a story about a widow and a judge. There aren’t many details about the widow, but I imagine she wasn’t politically connected or rich. We aren’t told exactly what the issue was, but we know she had a conflict with someone and went to the judge for help.
Initially, the unjust judge refused to help her, but she didn’t give up. Instead, she kept going to him. I picture her walking to the judge’s house day after day, knocking on the door, and him muttering, “Oh no! Not her again!” Maybe her persistence did annoy him, but all she wanted was for the judge to do his job. Finally, he granted her justice. I can see him throwing his hands up and saying, “All right! I’ll do it! Just please leave me alone!”
Jesus ended the parable by reminding us that God is not even a little bit like that judge. God wants to hear from us. Our Creator loves us and wants the best for us. And because God is so good, we should never give up on praying. God is listening, and if we keep on praying and believing, we can trust that God will answer.
Thought for the Day
I will pray persistently because God is listening.
Prayer Focus
People who have given up on prayer
Read More
God Is Listening
Today’s Prayer
Dear Father, teach us to trust you in all circumstances because you have promised to hear and answer our prayers. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 2 July 2026 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More