Listening to our own prayers gives us access to our ‘innermost thoughts, feelings & motives’.

Luke 18: And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 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. 12 I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

1. Attitude in Prayer: Luke 18:9 9 And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt

Jesus highlights two negative attitudes: a. People who trusted in their righteousness. b. People who viewed others with contempt.

Jesus rebukes these attitudes which are really an expression of spiritual pride.

2. The Pharisee’s Prayer: Luke 18: 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. 12 I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’

Details of the prayer of the Pharisee reveals much about his life, attitude & character.

However the Pharisee would surely qualify as an excellent Christian in our churches today. His ActionsOur Evaluation I. The Pharisee travelled to the temple & prayed. Church Going II. He was thankful to God in his prayer. Thankful Worshipper III. He was not a swindler, unjust, adulterer or a ‘tax collector’. Not a sinful lifestyle IV. He regularly fasts twice a week. Fasting V. He pays tithes faithfully of all that he gets. Tithes

The Pharisee’s Proud & Judgmental Prayer: a. He boasted about his religious acts to GOD b. Looked down upon the tax collector.

Conclusion: 1. Attitude in Prayer: 2. The Pharisee’s Prayer: