In this one small "prayer" there are no less than eight "I" statements. Prayer is about God and your relationship to Him, not about you! He claims to not be a sinner, brags about his fasting, and doesn't even give God credit for the income he makes! There is not a sliver of humility in this prayer and while we may not approach God in such an obviously prideful manner -- we can get sloppy. The tax collector he refers to prayed this prayer:
But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, "O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' -- Luke 18: 13 (NLT)
Humble in prayer. We are all sinners before a Holy God. The only righteousness we ever have is because of the blood of Jesus Christ. This man went home justified before God the Scripture teaches us because he sought to humble himself.
Prayer is our lifeline to God. It is one of our primary sources for communication with God. It is how we hear from God and how we find His will for our lives. But like a child we sometimes approach the Father only to hear the word "yes." We rarely approach Him actually trying to understand His heart, His reasoning, and His will. Sometimes we will get a yes answer but only when we are truly lined up with His will. Other times we will the answer of no or wait. All answers from God must be acceptable. What He says no to is also a blessing. What He says no to is also in our best interest. We need to check our motives and seek His will. Lastly, we need to do so with utter humility before God. Of never forgetting who He is and who we are -- sinners before a Holy God. Worthy of eternal punishment yet saved by the power of the blood of Jesus Christ. If I receive no further "blessing" in this life -- He has given me everything already!
Reverend Anthony Wade -- May 14, 2012
