How are your prayers classified?

[Luk 18:9-14 NIV] 9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' 13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' 14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Keywords: Pharisee, tax collector, prayer

The Pharisees are one of three groups of the Sanhedrin in place to uphold the law.[1] They were part of the oral traditions maintaining a belief in predestination, angels, and spirits.[2]

Tax collectors fall under the title of publican. The office was created by the Romans to assist in collecting taxes in the provinces. These individuals were held in low esteem because they would over-tax the citizens to obtain more profit for themselves.[3]

Prayer is a dialogue between God and people.[4] Throughout the Bible, there are individuals that practiced praying. Abraham, Moses, and Joshua are the few that held meaningful prayer lives bringing about positive outcomes for the people. David was a mighty warrior that knew that his success was because of his fellowship and prayers to God. Solomon prayed for wisdom but was granted much more. Jesus prayed many hours to God both day and night. The disciples continue to focus on prayer during their tribulations.

The parable offers an example of two types of prayers; humble and boastful. Prayer should not be offered to impress others and it should not be long appearing to manipulate God.[5] The manner of your prayer demonstrates your understanding of God. Your prayers should be in line with the nature of God.

What about you? How do you pray? What needs do you seek God in prayer? Most importantly do you start each prayer with thanksgiving? Come to God with thanksgiving and praise.

Bibliography

Hatchett, Randy. “Prayer.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1291-1293. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

Martin, John A. “Luke.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, 199-265. Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 1984.

“Publican.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1319-1320. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

Scott, Jr., J. Julius. Jewish Background of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1995.

[1] “Pharisees”, in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1259. [2] J. Julius Scott, Jr. Jewish Background of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1995), 205. [3] “Publican”, in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1319-1320. [4] Randy Hatchett, “Prayer,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1291-1293. [5] Ibid., 1292.