The Bible emphasizes humility in prayer, as seen in Luke 18:10-14, where a humble publican prays for mercy instead of boasting like the Pharisee.
In Luke 18:10-14, Jesus illustrates the importance of humility in prayer through the parable of the Pharisee and the publican. The Pharisee approaches God with a sense of self-righteousness, listing his virtues and looking down on others, while the publican humbly acknowledges his sin and pleads for mercy. This stark contrast shows that true prayer comes from a recognition of one's unworthiness and the need for God's grace. Jesus concludes the parable by stating that the publican, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. This underscores the belief in sovereign grace that acknowledges our sinful nature and the necessity of God's mercy for salvation.
Scripture References:
Luke 18:10-14, Luke 18:9-14, 2 Samuel 7:18, Psalm 51:17
Commentary