The Prayer God won’t Answer – Luke 18:9-14 Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican
Both of them are Jews, in common not being admitted to temple for P-rayer. Firstly to see how the Pharisee prays; a comparative one that is not only odious, but opportunistic. He is a prayer that tries to lift him up by putting another down. By right, we are all on equal acceptance of Gift of Jesus. We are not based to being better than others but how God has gifted us to be. This, together based in externals, based on deeds and not character / personalities, shaking foundation that can fully be horrifying independent from God. A life that is without God’s deeds and all based on self-deeds. A deception of our mind into thing that we are right with God, however, it may be rationalizing to protect our ego, to fight to make us secure – even at the cost of fighting God. The purpose of prayer is to see things as they are; ourselves as we really are; God as He has revealed Himself to be. A pride that distorts our capacity of self security it may lead to without our security in which we are in God, in his world. When without an identity in God, where will our humility comes when we do not recognize God’s authority in all. Comparative, external, prideful and humility lacking prayers are ones that God would not answer.
Humility is an outward expression of gratitude, honesty, and courage to grow. Indeed this is a difference between the two Ps in prayer. Sin, common to both, but easily misunderstood in this case. Sin is separation from God, but from one’s purpose and potential. We will never able to outgrow our need for God’s love, forgiveness, guidance and indwelling power but only increasing grow in our desire and recognition of their importance in our life, more important is HIM who freely gives. The opportunities, not just the failures that drive one back to him. Ultimately, humility, an avenue that God will reward with justification, which the publican received graciously. A prayer of humility is a prayer that God will answer, and humility, itself, is more than an outward expression, but it too is an inward experience that I believe will have to come first. An infilling of the holy spirit and a surrendering of a life of sin for a renewed heart and life that is God centred, and God directed, with a humility of God. A God’s humility. Woah.
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