Re:Verse passage – Luke 18:9-14 (day five)
“The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’”
Did you notice all the personal pronouns? What we have here is a declaration not a conversation. The Pharisee seemingly addresses God, but in actuality he is talking about himself to himself. The KJV actually translates the preposition in verse 11 as “with” (himself). Isn’t that a sad description of the state of affairs in his head and heart. Empty and void of a relationship with the Lord.
Made me examine my own prayers and petitions. Are they more about me or more about God? Sometimes, I write out my prayers. A good indicator of who is the focus. Is there evidence of the Lord’s presence (confession and repentance)? See Isaiah 6.
Finally, is there listening (at all)? Whose words would I rather hear? My own? Or, the Lord’s?
I am grateful for scriptures and parables that challenge, encourage, and direct me to have a vibrant relationship with the Living God.
Amen, amen.