Embracing Prayer: A Call to Humility and Transformation

 

Summary

The call to embrace prayer is a call to transformation, both individually and as a church. Prayer is not a religious formality or a means to manipulate God, but the very foundation of our relationship with Him. Too often, we approach prayer as a last resort when we are worried or in need, rather than as a daily pursuit of knowing God more deeply. The story of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18 reveals the heart posture God desires: not self-righteousness or pride, but humility, surrender, and honest dependence.

The Pharisee’s prayer was rooted in self-trust and comparison, exalting his own goodness and looking down on others. This is the way of the world—trusting in ourselves, seeking to be the center, and measuring our worth by our own standards. But true prayer is counter-cultural. It requires us to admit our need, to humble ourselves, and to shift our focus from ourselves to God. The tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift his eyes to heaven but beat his chest in repentance, crying out for mercy. This is the posture that God honors—a broken and contrite heart.

Prayer is not about eloquence, repetition, or public display. God is not impressed by our many words or religious performance. He desires authenticity, reverence, and a heart that seeks Him above all else. The essentials of prayer are reverence, recognition of our unworthiness, repentance, restoration, and reconciliation. When we come to God in this way, He meets us with grace and lifts us up.

Jesus Himself modeled the ultimate attitude of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. In anguish, He prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.” Prayer is not about getting what we want from God, but about aligning ourselves with His purposes and surrendering our will to His. This is the most intimate relationship we can have—walking with God, speaking honestly, and allowing Him to change us from the inside out.

As a church, we are called to move forward on our knees, united in prayer for one another, our community, and God’s mission. Let us embrace this challenge, seeking to be more like Jesus, humbling ourselves, and depending on God for everything.

Key Takeaways

- Prayer is Counter-Cultural
True prayer stands in stark contrast to the self-reliant, self-exalting spirit of our age. While the world urges us to trust ourselves and pursue our own happiness, prayer calls us to humility and dependence on God. It is an act of surrender, admitting that we cannot do life on our own and that we need God’s wisdom, strength, and grace every day. [49:29]

- The Danger of Self-Righteousness
When prayer becomes a platform for self-congratulation or comparison, it loses its power and authenticity. The Pharisee’s focus on his own goodness blinded him to his need for God and led him to despise others. True prayer requires us to lay down our pride, recognize our own brokenness, and approach God with a spirit of repentance and humility. [57:26]

- Prayer Shifts Our Focus from Ourselves to God
The act of prayer is meant to reorient our hearts away from self and toward God. Instead of looking down on others or obsessing over our own needs, we are invited to fix our eyes on God’s character, His mercy, and His purposes. This shift in focus transforms our desires and aligns us with God’s heart for the world. [58:41]

- Authentic Prayer Flows from the Heart, Not Performance
God is not moved by eloquent words, public displays, or religious rituals. He desires honest, heartfelt communication—a cry for mercy, a confession of need, a longing for His presence. The tax collector’s simple, desperate prayer was more pleasing to God than the Pharisee’s polished speech, reminding us that authenticity matters far more than appearance. [01:05:17]

- The Ultimate Model: “Not My Will, But Yours Be Done”
Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane reveals the deepest essence of prayer: surrendering our will to the Father. Even in anguish, Jesus submitted to God’s plan, showing us that prayer is not about bending God to our desires but about being transformed to desire His will above our own. This is the path to true intimacy and spiritual power. [01:12:06]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Embracing Prayer: The Foundation
[03:10] - The Word for the Year: Embrace
[05:20] - Introduction to Luke 18: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
[10:15] - The Attitude of the Pharisee: Self-Reliance
[15:30] - The Tax Collector’s Posture: Humility and Repentance
[20:05] - Prayer as Counter-Cultural Living
[25:00] - The Danger of Trusting Ourselves
[30:40] - The Trap of Self-Righteousness
[36:00] - Prayer Changes Our Focus
[41:20] - Authenticity Over Performance in Prayer
[47:00] - Five Essentials of Prayer: Reverence, Recognition, Repentance, Restoration, Reconciliation
[53:30] - Jesus’ Model of Prayer in Gethsemane
[01:12:06] - “Not My Will, But Yours Be Done”
[01:17:01] - A Call to Embrace Prayer Together
[01:18:53] - Invitation to Respond and Pray
[01:25:26] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Embracing Prayer

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### Bible Reading

- Luke 18:9-14 (The Pharisee and the Tax Collector)
- Luke 22:39-45 (Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives)

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### Observation Questions

1. In the parable from Luke 18:9-14, what are the main differences between the Pharisee’s and the tax collector’s prayers? What do their words and actions reveal about their attitudes?
2. According to the sermon, what does it mean that prayer is “counter-cultural”? How does the Pharisee’s approach to prayer reflect the values of the world? [[49:29]]
3. In Luke 22:39-45, what do you notice about Jesus’ attitude and words as He prays in the Garden of Gethsemane?
4. The sermon mentions five essentials of prayer: reverence, recognition, repentance, restoration, and reconciliation. Where do you see these in the story of the tax collector? [[01:05:17]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus chose a Pharisee and a tax collector for this parable? What point was He making about the kind of heart God desires in prayer? [[49:29]]
2. The Pharisee’s prayer was full of self-congratulation and comparison. How does this attitude affect our relationship with God and with others? [[57:26]]
3. The tax collector’s prayer was simple and honest. Why is authenticity in prayer more important than eloquence or public display? [[01:05:17]]
4. Jesus’ prayer in the garden was, “Not my will, but yours be done.” What does it look like for us to pray this way, especially when we are facing something difficult? [[01:12:06]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon said that prayer is often our “last resort” instead of a daily pursuit. When do you usually turn to prayer—only in crisis, or as a regular part of your day? What would it look like to make prayer a daily habit? [[49:29]]
2. The Pharisee trusted in himself and compared himself to others. Are there areas in your life where you find yourself doing the same? How can you shift your focus from self-reliance to dependence on God? [[58:41]]
3. The tax collector approached God with humility and repentance. Is there something in your life right now that you need to bring to God honestly, without trying to “look good” or hide? What would it take to pray like the tax collector this week? [[01:01:08]]
4. The sermon emphasized that God is not impressed by our many words or religious performance. Do you ever feel pressure to “pray the right way” in front of others? How can you practice more authentic, heartfelt prayer? [[01:05:17]]
5. Jesus modeled surrender in His prayer: “Not my will, but yours be done.” Is there a situation in your life where you need to surrender your will to God? What would it look like to pray this honestly? [[01:12:06]]
6. The pastor challenged the church to move forward “on our knees,” united in prayer for each other and for God’s mission. How can your small group support each other in prayer this week? Is there someone in the group or in your life who needs prayer right now? [[01:17:01]]
7. The five essentials of prayer were reverence, recognition, repentance, restoration, and reconciliation. Which of these do you find most challenging? Which one do you want to focus on growing in this month? [[01:05:17]]

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Closing Prayer:
Invite group members to share any prayer requests, and close by praying together—asking God to help you embrace prayer with humility, honesty, and surrender, just as Jesus and the tax collector did.

Devotional

Day 1: Prayer Is Counter-Cultural: Trust God, Not Yourself
True prayer requires us to reject self-reliance and instead place our trust in God, not in our own abilities or righteousness. In a world that constantly tells us to "be true to yourself" and "do what makes you happy," the call of prayer is radically different. It is an act of humility, admitting that we cannot do life on our own and that our hearts are prone to wander. When we trust ourselves, we limit what God can do in and through us. Instead, God invites us to surrender our self-sufficiency and embrace dependence on Him, allowing His holiness to shape us rather than our own fleeting desires. [49:29]

Luke 18:9-14 (ESV)
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “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.”

Reflection: Where in your life are you tempted to trust your own strength or goodness instead of relying on God? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him in prayer today?


Day 2: Prayer Changes Our Focus from Ourselves to God
Prayer shifts our attention away from comparing ourselves to others and focusing on our own achievements, and instead turns our hearts toward God’s greatness and mercy. When we approach God in prayer, we are reminded that our worth is not found in being better than others, but in being loved and accepted by Him. The act of prayer is the greatest act of humility, as it acknowledges our need for God and our inability to save ourselves. It is in these moments of honest surrender that we experience the true purpose of prayer: to know God more deeply and to be transformed by His presence. [58:41]

Luke 18:13-14 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: When you pray, do you find yourself comparing your life to others or focusing on your own needs? How can you intentionally shift your focus to God’s character and grace in your prayers today?


Day 3: Prayer Is Not Self-Righteous Performance
Genuine prayer is not about impressing others or God with our words, rituals, or religious acts, but about coming honestly before Him with humility and authenticity. The Pharisee in Jesus’ parable prayed loudly and publicly, listing his good deeds, but his prayer was empty because it was centered on himself. Jesus warns against praying to be seen by others or using many words to try to earn God’s favor. Instead, God desires prayers that are simple, sincere, and focused on Him, not on our own performance. True prayer is about seeking God’s will, not our own agenda, and trusting that He already knows our needs before we ask. [01:03:54]

Matthew 6:5-8 (ESV)
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

Reflection: Are there ways you have made prayer about your own image or performance? What would it look like to pray simply and honestly before God today, without concern for how you sound or appear?


Day 4: Prayer Is a Matter of the Heart
God is not impressed by outward displays or eloquent words; He looks at the heart that comes to Him in brokenness, repentance, and deep need. The tax collector’s prayer was short but powerful, marked by reverence, recognition of his sin, repentance, and a longing for restoration and reconciliation with God. He beat his chest in sorrow, fully aware of his need for mercy. God honors the humble and contrite heart, and it is in this posture that we find forgiveness and transformation. Prayer is not about comfort or ease, but about coming to God with our true selves, desperate for His grace. [01:07:40]

Psalm 51:16-17 (ESV)
For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Reflection: When was the last time you came to God in prayer with a truly broken and humble heart? What is one area where you need to honestly confess your need for His mercy today?


Day 5: Prayer Models the Sacrificial Humility of Jesus
The ultimate example of prayer is found in Jesus, who in the Garden of Gethsemane prayed with deep anguish, surrendering His own will to the Father’s, even to the point of sweating blood. Jesus’ prayer, “Not my will, but yours be done,” reveals the heart of true prayer: aligning ourselves with God’s purposes, not trying to bend Him to ours. Prayer is not about getting what we want from God, but about being changed by Him and joining in His mission. As we follow Jesus’ example, we learn to pray with surrender, trust, and a willingness to obey, no matter the cost. [01:12:06]

Luke 22:39-44 (ESV)
And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to pray, “Not my will, but yours be done”? How can you take a step of surrender and obedience to God’s will today, following Jesus’ example?

Quotes



so do you trust yourself there's a reason why i've not been to cookout for the last three or four weeks because i love their cherry cobbler milkshakes tim how about you man that's right there's a reason why i haven't been to dunkin donuts or crispy cream or any place else here's the point do you trust yourself do you trust yourself i don't trust me why because i know my heart why because i know my heart i know my heart why because i know my heart why because i know my heart Thank you. [00:55:10] (32 seconds)


It says the Pharisee took his stand and was praying like this, God, I thank you that I'm not like other people, greedy, unrighteous, you know, adulterers, or even like the tax collector. I fast twice a week. I give a tenth of everything I get. As one commentator states, listen to this. Notice the Pharisee went up to the temple to pray, but he did not pray. He spoke with himself, not with God. He prayed thus with himself, and in this short prayer, he repeated the word I five times [01:01:21] (41 seconds)


And I love what they say here. It is entirely possible to address your words to God, but to actually be praying to yourself because your focus is on yourself, not on God. Your passion is for your agenda, not God's. Your attitude is my will be done, not thy will be done. The man was full of praise, but he rejoiced not for who God was, but rather for who he was. [01:02:06] (32 seconds)


You know, Barclay talks about this. He says, those who fasted, they would whiten their faces and walk out so people could see them because, again, they wanted to be noticed. The attitude of prayer is not about us. It's about him. [01:03:09] (17 seconds)


hmm i love that it was a continuous act he would say oh this wicked heart he would smite it again and again he would express an intense grief by this oriental gesture for he did not know how else to set forth his sorrow spurgeon said that the pharisees pharisees thought he was not like other men that he was better than them the tax collector thought that he was not like other men that he was worse than them he prayed oh god be merciful to me a sinner a sinner if there was not another sinner in this world he was one in a world of sinners he was the most prominent of all according to spurgeon the center of all sinners emphatically he applies this to himself and gives the name i am the chief of all sinners in the original greek the words are even fewer than in english oh that men would learn to pray with less language and more meaning again this is spurgeon what great things are packed away in the short petition god mercy sin the perpetuation [01:09:08] (87 seconds)


before his father he began to sweat blood man is that a big difference in the way we pray god give me what i want lord i didn't study for that exam but you know the answers can you give them to me lord give me a new car give me this give me that god wants us to come before him but let me remind you prayer is not about treating god like he's a celestial santa claus prayer is about getting to know god is the most intimate of all relationships with him it's what it is it's who we're supposed to be after three hours of sweating blood as he repeatedly asked god to remove the cup of his suffering he was about to drink he repeated and declared to the father here it is verse 42 father if you're willing take this cup away from me nevertheless let this be our prayer if you got your bible underline this if you go on your phone highlight this highlight this highlight this highlight this highlight this highlight this highlight this highlight this highlight this [01:14:26] (67 seconds)


He's written several prayer books, and I'm gonna close just with this quote. Here's what he says. He says, friend, prayer is not primarily about what we can get out of God, but what he purposes to do in and through us for his own pleasure. I love the word pleasure there, that we would please God. [01:16:06] (17 seconds)


The great secret of prayer is to align ourselves to God's purposes rather than seeking to align him to ours. And that's exactly the distinction we saw today between the Pharisee and the tax collector. [01:16:44] (20 seconds)


If we're not willing to get on our faces and make a commitment every day, to pray for our community, to pray for ourself, to get ourself in a greater relationship, to pray for our staff, to pray for our church, to pray for the ministries, to pray, then we'll have no hope. [01:18:50] (23 seconds)


and listen church I love you with all my heart I'm so thankful to be here with you God is doing things within our congregation but I'm telling you I'll say it one more time he will only take us as far as we can go on our knees together not apart together not separately together his body was always meant to be together that's what this is God will bind us together with his mission through prayer through serving through sharing through taking the gospel to the world that's what it's all about so let me ask you something won't you grab the person's hand next to you I'm gonna lead us in a word of prayer and then Tim's gonna give you all the most important stuff the announcements I'm sure but I love you turn that person next to me and just tell them say you're loved you you are [01:25:26] (54 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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