Faith Full
Jesus is our example in all things and the example He left for us regarding prayer should not be ignored. He even went so far as to teach the disciples how to pray in Matthew Chapter 6.
Today's post is part two of the lessons learned from the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The first part is titled "Faith Less" and is focused on the Pharisee. Here we will take a closer look at the tax collector.
“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.
Luke 18:10-14 ESV
It is important to note that tax collectors were as well liked as our IRS agents (no offense intended). They would bribe local Roman officials in order to get the job of collecting the taxes for the Roman government. Tax collectors were notorious for collecting a higher amount than the Romans asked for and pocketing the extra coin. Obviously, this did not win them any accolades from the Jewish people.
In looking at how this man prayed though, we see the perfect example of faith FULL prayer.
The prayer of faith acknowledges sin and requests mercy. It makes no excuses for human weaknesses. Instead it relies on the sacrifice of Jesus and the healing given to us by His blood. There is genuine regret for wrongs done and the understanding that the only way to improve is with the grace of God.
Faithful prayer is God focused, God centered, and Spirit lead. It counts on God to show up and make all things right.
Laid on the foundation of God’s word, faith filled prayer has complete confidence in God’s ability to carry out His promises. It does not consider the reports of men or the appearance of the situation. Abraham did not consider Sarah’s barrenness or his own old age when he was promised a son from his own loins. Instead, he chose to believe the promise given to him. This is the trust of faith filled prayer.
Trust in God, not self, is the cornerstone of prayers full of faith. Jesus tells us that apart from God we can do nothing and when we fully grasp the importance of trusting God, our prayers are not only faith filled but power filled as well.
There is no pretense of self worth or value apart from the grace of God and the blood of Jesus. The Bible tells us we are all guilty of sin and if it was not for the grace of God in sending Jesus to pay our debt to sin, we would all perish under the Father's wrath. But because of our faith in Christ and our acceptance of His death on our behalf, we can come boldly before the throne of grace and pray by faith.
Faith full prayers are powerful prayers. They allow God the freedom to move in situations and circumstances as He sees fit. They produce changes in our favor and open the windows of heaven allowing all the riches of Christ to overflow in our lives.
Prayers of faith heal the sick, restore the lost, repair the broken, and turn mourning into joy. Life and life more abundant flows through those who pray full of faith. James chapter 5 says, "the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."
Nothing is impossible when faith fills our prayers.
God bless you,
Heidirn
Today's post is part two of the lessons learned from the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The first part is titled "Faith Less" and is focused on the Pharisee. Here we will take a closer look at the tax collector.
“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.
Luke 18:10-14 ESV
It is important to note that tax collectors were as well liked as our IRS agents (no offense intended). They would bribe local Roman officials in order to get the job of collecting the taxes for the Roman government. Tax collectors were notorious for collecting a higher amount than the Romans asked for and pocketing the extra coin. Obviously, this did not win them any accolades from the Jewish people.
In looking at how this man prayed though, we see the perfect example of faith FULL prayer.
The prayer of faith acknowledges sin and requests mercy. It makes no excuses for human weaknesses. Instead it relies on the sacrifice of Jesus and the healing given to us by His blood. There is genuine regret for wrongs done and the understanding that the only way to improve is with the grace of God.
Faithful prayer is God focused, God centered, and Spirit lead. It counts on God to show up and make all things right.
Trust in God, not self, is the cornerstone of prayers full of faith. Jesus tells us that apart from God we can do nothing and when we fully grasp the importance of trusting God, our prayers are not only faith filled but power filled as well.
There is no pretense of self worth or value apart from the grace of God and the blood of Jesus. The Bible tells us we are all guilty of sin and if it was not for the grace of God in sending Jesus to pay our debt to sin, we would all perish under the Father's wrath. But because of our faith in Christ and our acceptance of His death on our behalf, we can come boldly before the throne of grace and pray by faith.
Faith full prayers are powerful prayers. They allow God the freedom to move in situations and circumstances as He sees fit. They produce changes in our favor and open the windows of heaven allowing all the riches of Christ to overflow in our lives.
Prayers of faith heal the sick, restore the lost, repair the broken, and turn mourning into joy. Life and life more abundant flows through those who pray full of faith. James chapter 5 says, "the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."
Nothing is impossible when faith fills our prayers.
God bless you,
Heidirn
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