² Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving.

18 Also [Jesus] told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not to ^[a]turn coward (faint, lose heart, and give up).

⁷ And seek (inquire for, require, and request) the peace and welfare of the city to which I have caused you to be carried away captive; and pray to the Lord for it, for in the welfare of [the city in which you live] you will have welfare.