again in 18:9. In light of the Lukan sectioning and the Lukan hand in 17:22, as well as vv 7–8a to come, we should think here not of prayer in general but of prayer in connection with the longing of 17:22, focused on prayer for vindication. πρός τό introduces the subject matter of the parable (an accusative of reference or respect). πάντοτε προσεύχεσθαι and μὴ ἐγκακεῖν mutually qualify one another’s meaning. So the former takes the sense “always to keep on praying” (not “pray without ceasing”