Pray With Humility
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
We have discussed the importance of praying with a sincere heart and praying with boldness. Today, we will focus on praying with humility.
Jesus told the following parable in Luke 18:10-14, “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 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. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 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.’ 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.”
Do not confuse praying with conceit for praying with confidence. While the Pharisee prayed as if he was better than the tax collector, it was the tax collector who saw God’s favor. Prayers that move God are not prayers that offend Him. We must pray to God with honor and humility. We cannot tell God what to do. We cannot demand that God give us our desires. We cannot judge our sins against others in hopes that God will look more favorably on us; the truth is we all sin and fall short of God’s glory.
We are to make our requests known to Him, but we must also realize that how our prayers are answered is totally up to God. Be bold. Be humble. Remember, God does as He sees fit; but His ways are always in your best interest!
We have discussed the importance of praying with a sincere heart and praying with boldness. Today, we will focus on praying with humility.
Jesus told the following parable in Luke 18:10-14, “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 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. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 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.’ 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.”
Do not confuse praying with conceit for praying with confidence. While the Pharisee prayed as if he was better than the tax collector, it was the tax collector who saw God’s favor. Prayers that move God are not prayers that offend Him. We must pray to God with honor and humility. We cannot tell God what to do. We cannot demand that God give us our desires. We cannot judge our sins against others in hopes that God will look more favorably on us; the truth is we all sin and fall short of God’s glory.
We are to make our requests known to Him, but we must also realize that how our prayers are answered is totally up to God. Be bold. Be humble. Remember, God does as He sees fit; but His ways are always in your best interest!
Subscribe Now for Free Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Let it GoA Prayer for RestorationThe Power of Self-ForgivenessEmbracing FreedomFrom Transgression to RedemptionRelease and FreedomWisdom in ReflectionBlessed Assurance in ForgivenessEmbracing Divine RestTrusting in the WaitingEmbracing Peace in Unresolved MomentsMoving Forward Without ClosureA New Chapter AwaitsRefocusing for a New ChapterThe Danger of Looking BackLet God Be Your DefenseGod's Victory, Not OursThe Author of Your New ChapterThe Faithful Promise KeeperA Promise UnveiledThe Urgency of ObedienceThe University of AdversityThriving in AdversityForging the Future YouTransformative Power of AdversityThe Role of ResilienceThe Gift of EmpathyChanging PerspectiveGod's Purpose in Your AdversityThe Anchoring Power of TrustConsistent in Prayer, Unwavering in Praise
February
Navigating Life's JourneyLessons from the Prodigal SonStaying on TrackA Lesson in PatienceTrusting in God's TimingAvoiding the DriftChoosing Your Company WiselyThe Impact of Your Inner CircleThe Call to Responsible StewardshipFrom Rock Bottom to RedemptionGetting My Life Back On TrackWholeness Beyond Rock BottomWaking Up to ResponsibilityFacing the FactsOnly God Can Make Life Worth Living You Can Do ItYour Transformation MattersBreaking Free from ShameGod's Unwavering CareThe Good ShepherdThe Shepherd Who ProvidesFinding Refuge in God's ProtectionGod's Omnipotent ProtectionGod's Unseen ProtectionOverflowing BlessingsA Unique LoveA Divine ExchangeThe Power in His Precious BloodFrom Trials to Praise
March
Cleansing Body, Mind, and SpiritDetoxifying the MindDetoxifying for Spiritual EmpowermentThe Promise of God's PresenceWalking Purely Under God's ProtectionEmbracing God's Promise of RedemptionEmbracing God's Promise of ReconciliationThe Blessing of God's Adoption and ProvisionGod Desires RelationshipGod's Unconditional LoveGod's Gift of GraceNot OptionalPromises for the ChosenVIP Status in the KingdomThe Necessity of Cleansing for Kingdom CitizensThe Power WithinFinding Peace Beyond the PastHealing WoundsCleansing the TempleUnpacking the Trauma WithinHealing from WithinThe Promise of HealingBeyond the MindFinding Safety in Your BodyThe Power of a WishThe Ultimate WishBeyond Religious PerformanceBeyond Personal AchievementTrue Gain in Knowing ChristKnowing Christ DeeplyThe Power of His Resurrection
1 Comment
I really like this because it gives me a sense of humility and to pray with humility and understanding I praise God. Thank you Happy Holidays