SUCCESSFUL PRAYER

Luke 18:1–14
There is as much difference between the mere form of prayer and the spirit of prayer as there
is between a dead body and a living one. The one is but the breathless skeleton of the other.
I. Prayer is a Great Privilege. How black the heavens would be if there were no opening
to the cry of human need; how hopeless our lives, in the day of distress, if we had no access
to the ear of God. Even this sin-blotched world may become to us the audience chamber of
the King of kings; thy closet may be gilded with the glory of God. Let your requests be made
known unto Him.
II. Prayer is a Necessity. “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (v. 1). It is
“impossible to believe in God and not feel the need of prayer.” It is the Christian’s “vital
breath.” It is absolutely needed to spiritual life and health. We ought always to pray, because
we are always dependent upon Him in whom we live and move. If we had more delight in
prayer we would have less inclination to grumble; if we loved the presence of the Lord more
we would quarrel with our neighbours less.
III. Prayer must be Urgent. “Because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her” (vv.
3–5). Her “continual coming,” which prevailed over the indifference of this “unjust judge,” is
used by our gracious Lord as an argument for persistent prayer. If your desire is for things
needful, or for the glory of God, do not be afraid to “trouble the Master” about them. His
silence for a time may be but the testing of your faith. If you can possibly be satisfied without
this definite answer to your prayer, the likelihood is that no answer will be given. Be
importunate, and you will certainly get all you need (chap. 11:8).
IV. Prayer must be Void of Self-confidence. The parable of the two men that went up
into the temple to pray was spoken to those that “trusted in themselves” (vv. 9–12). Prayer is
a solemn mockery on the lips of the self-righteous. It was quite true that he was not “as other
men,” for he was neither a saint in the sight of God nor a sinner in his own. The man who
would be justified by his works has whereof he might glory, but not before God. The fact is,
the spirit of pride and self-sufficiency is at enmity with the spirit of prayer. This Pharisee
said his prayers, but he did not pray. The spirit of prayer is the most humble spirit on the face
of the earth; compared with other earthly spirits, it is as a lily among thorns.
V. Prayer must be Honest. The publican smote upon his breast saying, “God be merciful
to me a sinner” (v. 13). Out of the heart are the issues of life. The Pharisee compares himself
with others, and justifies himself; the publican compares himself with God, and makes
confession of his sin. No prayer can be perfectly honest before God which does not express
the true conscious condition of the heart. The Lord has an open ear for our cry, but he has
also an open eye for our heart. Those are God-pleasing prayers that smite our own breasts;
but there are others that smite the breast of God.
VI. Prayer will be Answered. “I tell you that He will” (v. 8). “I tell you that he went
down justified” (v. 14). True prayer will never be sent empty away. The prayer of the poor,
friendless, but importunate widow, and the prayer of the honest, sin-conscious publican were
prevailing prayers, while that of the self-righteous Pharisee only insulted God and ministered
to his own pride and self-deception. Our own righteousness will neither save ourselves nor
our prayers any more than counterfeit jewels would save a drowning man. The way to get up
in the estimation of God is to get down in our own. “He that humbleth himself shall be
exalted” (v. 14), and he that is so exalted shall ask what he will, and it shall be given him.