Scripture to Read: Luke 18:9-14
As we consider the two men in Luke 18:9-14, we read today that both men were on the same journey. In Luke 18:10, Jesus says, “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.” Both men went to the temple with the same goal in mind, to pray. Prayer is such a privilege for us because we get to fellowship with the God who created everything, including us. There is no one who knows us better than our Creator and King. The fact that through Christ, we have access to God the Father’s throne of grace is humbling enough. But when we consider that He listens intently to our every prayer is doubly humbling. Does God listen to every prayer from mankind? He does not. God makes this clear in Proverbs 15:29, “The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.” God also states it this way in Proverbs 28:9, “He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.” Then again, God says it like this in Isaiah 1:15, “So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.” God listens to His children. Only those who humble themselves before God are heard by Him. Therefore, until someone surrenders to Christ, their prayers are in vain.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about prayer?
2. Knowing God listens to you because you belong to Him, how will that change your prayer life?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!