Now she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, has her hope set on God, and continues in petitions and prayers night and day.
Continueth in supplications and prayers night and day ... cannot mean continuous engagement in the actual offering of prayers, but it speaks of a rule of life and conduct.  As Wallis put it, "The whole discussion should be considered in the light of Old Testament teaching where care for the widow is emphasized (see  James 1:27)."[7] It is a high tribute which Paul here paid to the widows supported from the public purse.  He does not command them to set their hope upon God, etc., but describes them as already doing so.