Prayers From the Bible Part 2Sample

The Pharisee's and tax collector's prayers

Read Luke 18:9–14

What do you thank God for? In Jesus’ parable, the Pharisee thanked God that he was not like other sinners. The Pharisee could not recognise his own condition. He could not acknowledge his own sinfulness before God. He was confident that his actions were acceptable before God. However, the tax collector could not even look up to heaven. His words, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner’, reflect a contrite cry of the heart. He was aware of his condition before God. He had no self-confidence based on his actions and he threw himself on God’s mercy. Yet, Jesus says he is the one who went home justified before God. This means the tax collector’s prayer was received by God and not the Pharisee’s. Why would God accept the tax collector’s prayer and not the Pharisee’s?

The Pharisee’s self-confidence meant that he did not see his need for Jesus and thus would not receive Him. The tax collector’s prayer demonstrated the humility required to receive salvation. Only in humility can we see our need for Jesus, and only through Jesus can our prayers be heard. What we pray for truly demonstrates the stance of our heart, whether Jesus truly is all we need and want. Does your prayer recognise your sinfulness before God? Does it display the gratitude of salvation – Jesus crucified for you? Or do you thank God for what you already have, thinking you are doing pretty well, compared to others?

What are you thanking God for?

Written by QUYNH EASTMAN