Prayer with Humble Strength: Trusting God’s Response

As the seasons shift and autumn settles in, we are reminded that our spiritual lives also move through seasons of change. Just as the days grow shorter and colder, we may find ourselves adjusting our routines and habits, both physically and spiritually. In this time of transition, we are invited to reflect on the power and posture of prayer, drawing from the book of Joel and Jesus’ parable in Luke 18.

Joel’s message comes in a time of uncertainty, with no clear accusation against Israel but a clear call to return to God in prayer. The prophet describes disaster and judgment, yet always leaves room for hope because of God’s mercy. Joel’s writing assumes we know the story of Israel’s rebellion, but he focuses on the response: a call to humble, expectant prayer. This is not a prayer rooted in self-righteousness or ritual, but in a deep trust that God hears and responds.

Turning to the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we see two contrasting approaches to God. The Pharisee stands in self-assuredness, listing his religious accomplishments and thanking God that he is not like others. The tax collector, on the other hand, stands at a distance, unable even to lift his eyes, and simply pleads for mercy. Jesus makes it clear that it is the humble, honest prayer that finds favor with God.

We are challenged to examine our own posture in prayer. Are we hesitant to bring our deepest needs and boldest hopes before God, fearing they are too much to ask? Do we sometimes approach God with a sense of entitlement, or do we come with humble strength, trusting in God’s character rather than our own merit? Prayer is not about impressing God or others, but about opening ourselves honestly to God’s presence and power.

As a community, we are called to pray with expectation—not because we demand certain outcomes, but because we trust that God is attentive and active. God’s answers may not always align with our desires or timing, but we are assured that God is faithful, providing, and present. In this season, let us step forward in faith, praying boldly and humbly for God to work in our lives, our church, and our world.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The changing of seasons is a reminder that our spiritual lives also move through times of transition, requiring us to adjust our habits and expectations. Just as we prepare for colder, darker days, we are invited to prepare our hearts for new movements of God, remaining attentive and adaptable to His leading. [41:30]
• 2. Joel’s prophetic call is not about listing Israel’s failures, but about inviting God’s people to return to Him in prayerful humility. Even when the reasons for hardship are unclear, the response is always to seek God’s mercy and trust in His faithfulness, knowing that hope is never extinguished by judgment. [43:19]
• 3. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector reveals that the posture of our hearts matters more than the content of our achievements. God is not impressed by outward displays of righteousness, but is moved by honest confession and a humble spirit that recognizes its need for grace. [52:28]
• 4. Prayer requires a courageous humility—a willingness to bring our deepest needs and boldest hopes before God, even when we feel unworthy or uncertain. True faith is not timid or self-reliant, but boldly expects God to act, while remaining open to His surprising and sometimes challenging answers. [46:41]
• 5. As a community, we are called to pray with expectation, trusting that God is present and active among us. Our prayers are not about controlling outcomes, but about aligning ourselves with God’s purposes, stepping out in faith, and allowing God to work through us in ways that may exceed our understanding or desires. [55:12]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [31:26] - Announcements and Weekly Devotionals
• [32:10] - Invitation to Prayer Gathering
• [33:22] - Upcoming Peacebuilding and Reconciliation Series
• [33:59] - Children’s Church and Advent Planning
• [34:34] - Advent Theme: Be Amazed
• [35:12] - After-School Youth Program Launch
• [36:52] - Daylight Savings and Community Updates
• [37:10] - Prayer Requests for Members and Travelers
• [38:39] - Congregational Prayer
• [41:10] - Embracing the Fall Season
• [42:05] - Introduction to Joel: Spiritual Seasons
• [43:44] - The Day of the Lord and God’s Response
• [45:11] - The Power and Expectation of Prayer
• [47:45] - Luke 18: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
• [53:10] - The Posture of Prayer and Humble Strength
• [55:12] - Praying for God’s Work in Our Community
• [56:54] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Reading

Joel 2:12-14 (NIV) —
“Even now,” declares the Lord,
“return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Rend your heart and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity.
Who knows? He may turn and relent
and leave behind a blessing—
grain offerings and drink offerings
for the Lord your God.

- Luke 18:9-14 (NIV)

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “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.”

Observation Questions

1. In Joel, what is the prophet’s main instruction to the people during a time of disaster and uncertainty? ([43:19])
2. How does the Pharisee’s prayer in Luke 18 differ from the tax collector’s prayer, both in words and in attitude? ([52:28])
3. According to the sermon, what is unique about Joel’s approach compared to other prophets? ([43:19])
4. What does Jesus say is the result for the person who humbles themselves in prayer? ([52:57])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why might Joel focus on calling people to return to God in prayer, rather than listing their failures or sins? What does this say about God’s priorities? ([43:19])
2. What does the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector teach about the kind of prayer God values? How does this challenge common ideas about religious “success”? ([52:28])
3. The sermon mentions that prayer requires “humble strength.” What does it mean to pray with both humility and boldness at the same time? ([46:41])
4. How does the changing of physical seasons help us understand the changes and transitions in our spiritual lives? ([41:30])

Application Questions

1. The sermon asks if we are sometimes hesitant to bring our deepest needs and boldest hopes to God. Is there something you have been afraid or reluctant to pray about? What holds you back? ([46:21])
2. When you pray, do you ever find yourself listing your “spiritual accomplishments” or comparing yourself to others, like the Pharisee? How can you shift toward the humble honesty of the tax collector? ([52:28])
3. Think about a recent season of change in your life (big or small). How did it affect your prayer life or your openness to God’s leading? ([41:30])
4. The sermon says that God’s answers may not always align with our desires or timing. Can you share a time when God’s answer to your prayer was different than what you expected? How did you respond? ([55:12])
5. As a community, we are called to pray with expectation, trusting that God is present and active. What is one specific way our group or church can pray boldly and humbly for God to work in our community this month? ([55:12])
6. The tax collector “stood at a distance” and was honest about his need for mercy. Is there an area in your life where you need to be more honest with God? What would it look like to bring that to Him in prayer this week? ([52:57])
7. The sermon talks about adjusting our routines and habits as the seasons change. Is there a spiritual habit or practice you want to start, stop, or adjust as we move into this new season? ([41:30])