Prayer Essentials

Prayer – is an intimate and a direct connection with my Lord, where I hear His voice in my spirit and I call on His name from deep within my heart. Prayer is so intimate, just like the intimate heart to heart love between two lovers – where word need not be expressed but, the hearts do the talking/connecting/bonding.

So, prayer is an expression of the love relation between me and my God - the one who loved me to the utmost.

As I was attending a prayer session, a person spoke on the issue of humility in prayer, and how God answers prayers. He directed our attention to Luke 18:10-14. We must have all read and heard multiple sermons on this passage. While hearing the message, I felt moved, and while reading the portion now, I felt urged to write on what the Spirit spoke to me.

[ 9 He spoke also this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others.
10 "“Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: ‘God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.’
13 But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”" ]

World English Bible – Luke 18:9-14

Two observations:

1.       The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself : Isn’t  it strange? This guy went inside the temple of the Living God, and is praying to Himself.

He dared to stand, held up in his pride. In the temple, you need to bow down.

He prayed – praying is a privilege given to those who love God. He is shamelessly misappropriating God’s love provision

He compares [God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector]. Who am I to comment on another child of God, when I’m myself not right? Or, what do I know about the other to compare? Can I see his/her heart, that I can evaluate? And the best part – He says ‘God I thank you ……’.

2.       But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’

Look at this fellow – hated by all, loved by none. In fear and humility walks into God’s temple – with the awareness that he is going to God’s temple.

standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven – knows he is unworthy. Is not ashamed of accepting the truth himself. Understands that God alone deserves honor.

Beat his breast – the Pharisee exalted his flesh, but the tax collector was keen on destroying his flesh.

One more secret, the Pharisee divided, the tax collector united.

Many times, I am like the Pharisee and utter prayer like him. God hates it. He just abhors it.

Let my prayers be in humility, considering others better, and in true love with my God.

Let my prayers be for others.

And, how can I pray for others? When I can love them, without seeking anything in return.

Isn’t it wonderful, that each any every doctrine of our Lord revolves around His Love and His Forgiveness.

So, let us Love and Forgive. And, be Holy as my Father is.

God bless you all!