The Character of Prayer

What is shaping and forming you? 

Scripture:

Luke 18:9   He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: ¹⁰ “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ ¹³ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ ¹⁴ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Observation:

As Jesus continues to teach, he reminds the disciples that not only are they supposed to learn how to pray, but their attitude and character in prayer is of great importance. It is in this way that Jesus is teaching about the character and behaviors which are appropriate in the kingdom of God. 

Basil of Caesarea tell us: 

Be on your guard, therefore, and bear in mind this example of severe loss sustained through arrogance. The one guilty of insolent behavior suffered the loss of his justice and forfeited his reward by his bold self-reliance. He was judged inferior to a humble man and a sinner because in his self-exaltation he did not await the judgment of God but pronounced it himself. Never place yourself above anyone, not even great sinners. Humility often saves a sinner who has committed many terrible transgressions (On Humility). 

Application:

Prayer is a practice of life within the kingdom of God. It is in this place where our character is shaped and hewn into the image of Jesus Christ. That’s why our posture in prayer is so vital. 

It’s easy to get caught up in being religious. Going to church and participating in a religion can make us religious, but it may not make us like Christ. The call to discipleship is formational, both inside and out. We have to be careful that we don’t simply conform to outward expectations of what it means to be spiritual. To be a genuine follower of Jesus Christ requires humility in the presence of God where we are shaped into the image of Jesus Christ. That image is not one of pride or boastfulness, but of humility and a recognition of our need for God in all things. 

The character of our prayer will, in fact, shape our character. The person that the world sees is formed in the intimacy of prayer. If we are not spending time in prayer, we are allowing ourselves to be shaped and formed by the things of this world. 

Prayer:

Lord, the lessons on prayer are convicting. Help me to seek you and to know you, being shaped and formed by you in all things. Amen.