Article: HOW JESUS OBSERVES OUR PRAYER | P. M. Mathew (Joy)
Jesus always gave great importance in prayer particularly the attitude and the intention in our prayers.
In Luke 18:10-14 we see the prayer of a PHARISEE and a PUBLICAN. Verse 11 says that “the pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers , or even as this publican”. He goes on and says in verse 12, “I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I posses.”
This man had a long prayer to impress others that he is holy and righteous. Also he was accusing and judging others even his fellow brother, the publican. It was simply a meaningless and a show-off prayer. A perfect example of a hypocrite.
But verse 13 says “And the publican standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes in to heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” A very short prayer but a sincere and meaningful one. He was hurt by the Pharisee’s insulting words through his prayer. But the publican was sincere and wise enough to say that he is a sinner and need mercy from the Lord.
Look what Jesus observed and commended in verse 14, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalts himself shall be abased ; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.” The Pharisee tried to justify himself. But Jesus did not justify him. On the other hand the publican did not justify himself, rather he said he is a sinner. He was justified by Jesus.
Let us be very serious when we pray. Always think to whom we are praying. Pray with humility and reverence to the Lord. Never act like a perfect saint to impress others like the Pharisee. We must not judge others. Let us be humble and heartbroken when we pray. Then God will exalt you, and His name will be exalted above all. I encourage all of you to use our time wisely to spend more time in prayer. Let us acknowledge and admit our failures and sins before God during our prayers. Yes ,Jesus observes our prayers.
P.M.Mathew (Joy)
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