Pharisaical Prayers

Luke 18 records the parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee. Jesus tells a group of people who were confident in their righteousness and who looked down on others this parable. A Pharisee and a tax collector went to pray. The Pharisee thanked God that he was not like robbers/evildoers/adulterers/tax collectors. The Pharisee tells God how often he fasts and how much he tithes. But the tax collector stood apart, looking down, and remorsefully asked God to have mercy on him, even though he was a sinner. The tax collector, instead of the Pharisee, when home justified before God. Jesus finishes by saying that those who humble themselves with be exalted and those who exalt themselves will be humbled.

Typically when we hear this parable, we all condemn the Pharisee and align ourselves with the tax collector's humility.

Except...we DO thank God that we aren't practicing <shameful sin>.

Except...we DO thank God that WE and those WE love aren't experiencing a disaster like <recent place>.

Except...we DO thank God that WE and those WE love don't have a disability like <recent person>. 

Except...we thank God that WE and those WE love are safe when the ambulance drives by.

Except...we do thank God that WE and those WE love aren't in <war-torn country>.

So let us stop praying like the Pharisee. 

Let us pray FOR those experiencing trauma, without thanking God that someone WE love isn't suffering.

Let us pray FOR those trapped in addictions, sins, and problems, without thanking God that WE don't have that struggle.

Let us pray FOR those experiencing disasters, without thanking God that OUR area is safe.

Let us pray FOR those adjusting to new disabilities or living with a long-term disability, without thanking God that WE are still "normal". 

Let us pray FOR those in the ambulance, without thanking God that no one WE love is injured.

Let us pray FOR those in war-torn countries, without thanking God that WE are safe. 

Because when we hear about a tragedy or a disaster and our first instinct is to thank God that it happened to someone else, we are not exhibiting Christlike love. 

So let us pray less like the Pharisee and more like the tax collector. 

Praying the Scriptures: Col. 4:2-4

Paul tells us that we should devote ourselves to prayer. We should be watchful of what to pray for and thankful when we pray.

We should pray for those spreading the Gospel and shepherding the churches, so that doors will be opened so that Christ may be proclaimed.

Even though Paul is in chains due to the Gospel, his prayer is for him to proclaim it clearly, instead of for his safety, freedom, or revenge.

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should."

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