Title: Why All Prayers Are Not Effective
Text:
Luke 18:11-12 (ESV)
11 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. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.'
Observation:
Today I have prayer on my mind so I go to the gospel of Luke that speaks often about prayer to inform my burden for praying. O how my heart yearns to pray effectively during these needy times.
Some texts say that he prayed with himself. In either case, the Pharisee reveals the contents of his heart. The five "I's" in his prayer reveals his self-absorption.
Luke 18:11-12 (AMP)
11 The Pharisee took his stand ostentatiously and began to pray thus before and with himself: God, I thank You that I am not like the rest of men—extortioners (robbers), swindlers [unrighteous in heart and life], adulterers—or even like this tax collector here. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I gain.
The Pharisee fits the description that Jesus pointed out before he began teaching this parable. Jesus had already looked into his heart, and found him to be lacking.
Luke 18:9 (HCSB)
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else:
The prayer of the Pharisee will not find a sympathetic ear in the throne room of heaven. The arrogance of the Pharisee revel the uncleanness of his heart. If you are blind to your own sins, how can you see and judge the sins of others? A humble heart will help you to see yourself as Jesus sees you.
Prayer:
Father, help us to open our hearts and receive Jesus gift of salvation graciously, and thank Him with gratitude. Father, help us to never forget that the only means by which we have access to Your throne room in prayer is because of what Jesus did for us. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
James 5:16 (ESV)
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
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Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
4 But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
8 Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.
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