Successful Prayer #4

Learning to pray according to God’s will, eliminates arrogant and self-righteous prayers.

In Luke 18:9–14, Jesus spoke a parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others. 

“Two men went into the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood over by himself and prayed, “God, I thank you that I am not greedy, dishonest, and unfaithful in marriage like other people. And I am really glad that I am not like that tax collector over there. I go without eating for two days a week, and I give you one tenth of all I earn.” The tax collector stood off at a distance and did not think he was good enough even to look up toward heaven. He was so sorry for what he had done that he pounded his chest and prayed, “God, have pity on me! I am such a sinner. Then Jesus said, “When the two men went home, it was the tax collector and not the Pharisee who was pleasing to God. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.” Luke 8:10-14 CEV

Prayer is not a time to boast to GOD about how good we are and remind Him how much better we are, than “them” sinners. If that is our approach, we are them!

We should humble ourselves before the Almighty, recognizing our unworthiness yet being awed He still chooses to extend mercy to us.