Proper 25 Series C

 

Proper 25
Luke 18:9-17
True Humility

It is easy to get caught up in pride of what we do and how. It is more important to be humble. And recognize God as the source of strength. Our heart’s intentions are what matter to the Lord.

Law/Gospel Theme: Our lives ought to be centered on God. He has given us all we have. And He cares for our hearts more than anything. We should not brag or boast in our own power, but take heart that God loves us and listens to us all the time.

Prayer: O Lord. All we have is a gift from You. Keep us focused on Your love and care. And may we in true humility follow You. All our days.

Hymn: 39 Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.

In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone.

And so uphold us by Your Spirit. That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.

And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Luke 18:9-17

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and treated 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, 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. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 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!’ 14 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.”

Hymn: 40 How Firm a Foundation

The Bible reminds us that what matters most to God is not what we say or do on the outside. But what’s on the inside. And the intentions of our hearts.

Jesus told a story about two men who were praying. One of them gave a loud boastful prayer.

He thanked God for making him better than other people. He talked about the wonderful things he did.

The other man Jesus described was humble.

Instead, he bowed low. Full of sorrow and shame. For the things he had done.

He begged for mercy. And felt unworthy of God’s attention.

Jesus said that the man who was humble was offering a more genuine prayer than the boastful man.

Humble means you don’t think too highly of yourself.

We know God always hears us and listens.

But if your prayers are meant to make yourself look better, they aren’t really focused on God.

God doesn’t want us to brag about anything. Even our prayer.

It’s fine to be happy about something you’ve done. But you don’t want to go boasting about it to everyone.

When we pray. We want to make sure our hearts are devoted to God.

What’s on the inside needs to have a positive purpose.

We want to remember that God has given us all we have, including the most important thing, Jesus!

That is a beautiful blessing to celebrate.

So let’s try to remember who the boss is. When we pray. We want our words to go to God. Who is always present and loves us.

Our heart intent and inner attitudes are much more important than what is on the outside.

Prayer: Thank you, LORD for your love and care. Thank you for Your words and promises. Help us come quickly to you in prayer. Thank you for your promise to hear and to answer.

Keep us humble as You are both kind and good.

Passive sentences -6.7%

Readability -85%

Reading Level -3.5