⁸ The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.^{(A) 9} For we are co-workers in God’s service;^(B) you are God’s field,^(C) God’s building.^(D)

¹⁰ By the grace God has given me,^(E) I laid a foundation^(F) as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. ¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.^(G)

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

18 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.^(A)

¹² Be joyful in hope,^(A) patient in affliction,^(B) faithful in prayer.^(C)

¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit^(A) on all occasions^(B) with all kinds of prayers and requests.^(C) With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying^(D) for all the Lord’s people.

Further Instructions

² Devote yourselves to prayer,^(A) being watchful and thankful.

¹⁷ pray continually,^(A)

⁷ The end of all things is near.^(A) Therefore be alert and of sober mind^(B) so that you may pray.