But When We Pray – Week 2
The Heart of Prayer
Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: 10 “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector Luke 18:9-10
.11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer[b]: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! 12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ Luke 18:11-12
13 “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
14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:14
The problem of pride
Pride focuses on our behavior not our character
He doesn’t say I am …
– Gentle
– Kind
– Patient
– Loving
He is proud about what he wasn’t
– Not a cheater
– Not a sinner
– Not an adulter
He is proud about what he does
– He fasts
– He gives
2 kinds of people:
- Self Righteous
- Rebellious
– Both Reject God
Solving the problem of Pride
- Repent of your pride
- Decide who’s approval you want
Prayer points:
- God I am sorry for my pride
- Help me to focus on who I am not what I do or don’t do
- I desire to live for the approval of God not others