Note to the Teacher

This lesson focuses on the theme of persistent faith and prayer, drawing from Luke 18:1-8, where the persistent widow teaches us about the power of not losing heart. The icebreaker, "Persistence Improv Story," has students collaboratively building a story about persistence in prayer, engaging their creativity while reflecting on the lesson's theme. The discussion explores the nature of persistence, how God is not like the unjust judge, and how we can apply persistence in our prayers and actions. The activity, "Persistence Poster," invites students to create posters illustrating what persistence in faith and prayer looks like, visually reflecting how persistence can change lives and communities.

Times are based on a fifty-minute lesson period but may be adjusted.

Icebreaker: Persistence Improv Story (10 minutes)

Start by giving the students the beginning of a short story related to persistence in prayer. (For example, "One day, a person went to God and prayed persistently for a change in her life. The first thing she asked for was…").

Going around the circle, each student adds a sentence to the story, continuing the theme of persistence in prayer and faith. Each addition should build on the last part and could introduce new challenges or victories.

The game continues until the story reaches a natural ending, allowing for creativity and multiple directions.

Afterward, ask students to reflect on the key moments of the story and discuss how persistence in prayer is reflected in the story they created.

Bible Reading (5 minutes)

Read Luke 18:1-8.

Discussion Questions (10 minutes)

What does Jesus say about the judge's attitude and the widow’s persistence in the parable?
What do you know about the social status of judges and widows at the time Jesus would have told this parable?
Why do you think Jesus uses a parable about an unjust judge to teach about persistence in prayer?
How can we apply the widow’s persistence to our lives, especially when we feel discouraged or don’t see immediate results?
Do you think the parable suggests that God is like the unjust judge, only responding when we persist enough? Why or why not?
If you were to reimagine this parable for a modern-day audience, how would you tell the story?
How can your community be persistent in working and acting for justice, both individually and collectively?

Active Learning Activity: Persistence Poster (20 minutes)

Instructions:

Begin by discussing the themes of justice and persistence from the parable. Ask students what justice means to them and how they can be part of bringing justice to their community.

Give each student a posterboard and access to markers, colored pens, and magazines. Ask them to create a poster representing how they would act justly in their community, whether through kindness, advocacy, or service. Invite them to depict one small action that would make a difference if done persistently.

Once they have finished, have students explain their poster to the group, focusing on what justice means to them and how they will practice persistence in advocating for justice.