Are we just kidding?

There have been times in the past when I have questioned whether most of the Church in America is just joking? One prominent example is the custom of many congregations of dispensing with most activities, home groups, Bible studies etc. during the summer months and around the end of year holidays. In reality this adds up to almost half the year. This morning I read Luke 18 again, both in Portuguese and then in English. It begins with Jesus saying that the parable in verses 1 thru 8 is to encourage His people to pray and not give up. He then tells a story of an indefatigable woman and an unjust judge who finally gives her what she wants because she keeps asking. Verse 8 concludes the passage with Jesus asking a poignant question. When He returns, will He find faith on the earth. Clearly He is asking whether there will be people praying. I am convicted and challenged by this. I am not always convinced that my prayers are efficacious. Nor do my prayers typically result in closer intimacy with God. Please help me Lord Jesus!