"Genuine Prayer"(Luke 18:9-14)

 

Luke 18:9-14

Many people think of prayers as magic spells that allow them to ask God for whatever they want. However, prayers are about connecting to God to allow for genuine worship and communication. 

Prayer does not require ritual. There is nothing wrong with bowing your head and clasping your hands every time you pray. Much the same, there is nothing wrong with shouting out your prayers or praying them quietly. Yet, our prayers can please God or displease God.

Jesus explains how prayers can be acceptable or not. He does this by contrasting two people in a parable which illustrates the how a tax collector and a Pharisee pray one day. Jesus' choice of these two contrasting people was intentional and needs some explanation.

The tax collector was considered an enemy of the Jewish people. These men were Jews who collaborated with the enemy, Rome, and were despised by the conquered Jewish people who suffered greatly under Rome's rules and taxes. Tax collectors were also notorious for being dishonest and took more than they were supposed to collect. Yet, his prayer was praised by Jesus.

But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’

Luke 18:13 ESV

God respects humility and wants a real relationship with His followers. The tax collector knew God and also knew he could never measure up to God's standards and therefore was completely at God's mercy. The Pharisee is not praised, but rather he is criticized by Jesus.

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Luke 18:14 ESV

The Pharisee knows the law and is sure that he follows it better than others like the tax collector..

The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’

Luke 18:11‭-‬12 ESV

 This boasting is unwarranted. Although he was correct in the actions he did, his heart was not worshipping God. He did not know God and did not acknowledge how much he needed God. He was not in awe of God nor feared God. He is quite foolish with his words.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Proverbs 9:10 ESV

The tax collector was in awe of God. He was fully aware of his weakness and God's greatness. He knew he was dirty and unworthy, but he still approaches God for mercy. He knew that only God could save him from mercy. He does not boast or bargain, he knows it would be futile. He can only ask in humility.

But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’

Luke 18:13 ESV

As Christians, we need to repent of our sins. We cannot remove our sins ourselves, nor can we do anything but repent of our sins and acknowledge that is only the love of Jesus saves us.

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38 ESV

However we may pray, we should strive to pray in  true humility with the expectation of growing closer to God.

2022-03-27 Worship Songs
I hear thy welcome voice
Let everything that has breath
Mighty to save
Hosanna