"Prayer-ables" April 28 Readings: 1 Samuel 15-16, Luke 18:1-30, Psalm 53, Proverbs 11:27-29

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Today's Readings - 1 Samuel 15-16, Luke 18:1-30, Psalm 53, Proverbs 11:27-29


Devotional - Prayer-ables


In Luke 18:1-14 Jesus tells two "prayer-ables." Sorry, is that too corny? Okay, parables about prayer? These stories tell remind us of some important lessons about prayer.

The first parable, in verses 1-8, tells the story of a hardhearted judge who neither feared God nor respected people. He didn't care a bit about the people whose cases he heard. There was a widow who had been wronged by another but she could not get this man to listen to her case. But she would not let him be. Day and night she harassed him, begging for justice. Finally, because he was annoyed with her pestering, he listened to her plea and gave her what she asked for.

Of course, our God is not cruel or hard-hearted. He is kind and loving; a judge who hears our prayers willingly. But the message of this parable is plain. If even a cold-hearted judge is moved by persistent entreaties, will not our good God be moved by our prayers? The point is made in the introduction to the parable; it is a reminder to "pray always do not be discouraged." Our God listens. He hears. He answers.

Verses 7 and 8 tell us that his attitude is very different from that of the hardhearted judge.
And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily.
The God who loves us listens and responds to the prayers of his people.

The second parable, in Luke 18:9-14, focuses on the posture of prayer. Jesus tells the story of two men who approach God in prayer. The first, a Pharisee, is convinced of his own righteousness and worth. Of course, God is going to hear him. As good a person as he is, God just has to listen!

The second man is a lowly sinner, a tax collector. He did not stand in pride and self-righteousness but called out in humility and repentance. "God, turn your wrath from me, a sinner." He knew who he was and what he deserved from God - nothing!

But Jesus made it clear that it was the repentant sinner, not the self-righteous and arrogant Pharisee, was heard by God.
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.  18:14
So, in these two prayer-ables we learn to be persistent in prayer because our good God desires to hear and respond. We also learn to be humble in our approach to God. We can be confident, but we must not be self-confident or arrogant. We come clothed in the righteousness of Christ not our own worth. He responds to the prayers of repentant sinners, not the self-righteous and arrogant. A key to prayer, then is PERSISTENT HUMILITY! We must approach God with humility, as beggars asking what we do not deserve, not as those demanding our rights. But we must also be persistent and faithful in prayer. Persistent humility!
Father, I come to you as a sinner in need of grace, one with no righteousness of my own to merit a hearing with you. Help me to be faithful and persistent in prayer, not to become discouraged. 

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

What is your prayer-attitude? Are you a petulant child, demanding things from God as if he were your grandfather in heaven? Or do you approach him in humility as a repentant servant?
Are you persistent and faithful in prayer, continuing to come to God and not giving up?





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