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: 

  1. Self Righteous  
  2. Rebellious

– Both Reject God

 

Solving the problem of Pride

 

  1. Repent of your pride 
  2. Decide who’s approval you want

 

Prayer points: 

 

  1. God I am sorry for my pride
  2. Help me to focus on who I am not what I do or don’t do 
  3. I desire to live for the approval of God not others

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