How we approach prayer

CALL TO WORSHIP

We meet in the presence of God, who creates us in love, redeems us through faith and sustains us with hope. We come with joy and we come with sorrow, sad at our failings, grateful for God’s acceptance. May we know God-with-us as we join in worship.

HYMN

As we are gathered 28 (songs of fellowship book 1)

GATHERING PRAYER

Lord, as we come to worship, help us to do so with humility. Help us to see ourselves as we are and remember before you that we are weak without your power; lost without your guidance; nothing without you. But with you all things are possible. Amen.

God of grace, we come as we are: in peace, or maybe in pieces, in hope, or perhaps in hopelessness. We know that you see our true selves, even when we do not. Holy one, Father, Spirit, Son, we long to be in your presence, to sing for joy to the living God. Amen.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

Lord, we are sorry when we have considered ourselves in any way superior to others you have made. Forgive us when pride becomes the centrepiece of our lives, and open our eyes to see where this is a danger. We repent of our assumptions and tendencies to claim the moral high ground, to judge rather than to love, to use our words as ways to trample on others’ worth. Forgive us and restore us, for in puffing ourselves up we let your people down. In Jesus’ name, restore us. Amen.

God, who forgives all who are genuinely sorry, cleanse our hearts and make us new. We cherish your grace giving us a fresh new slate. May the words we write upon it be honouring to your name. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name,

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done.

On earth as it is in heaven,

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those that trespass against us,

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,

Forever and ever Amen.

HYMN

Christ is made the sure foundation (1199 songs of fellowship book 3)

Introduction

Psalm 84 was written by the sons of Korha is a song of longing, devotion, and deep spiritual desire. It opens with the memorable words, “How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty!” These words echo through the ages, inviting us to reflect on our relationship with God, our yearning for His presence, and the blessings of being close to Him.

      READING 1

Psalm 84:1–7 ESV

1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. 3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah 5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. 6 As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.

Reflection

The Beauty of God’s Dwelling Place

The psalmist begins by praising the loveliness of God’s house. In ancient Israel, this was the temple—a place of worship, sacrifice, and prayer.

Today, we might think of the church building, but more importantly, it is the presence of God Himself that is the true “dwelling place.”

The psalmist longs, for the LORD; his heart his whole body cries out for the living God. This longing isn’t just for a physical place but for the closeness and comfort that comes from being near God.

What does it mean for us to find God’s dwelling place? It is to find joy, peace, and security in God’s presence. It’s more than this it’s to know, as the psalmist did, that no earthly beauty compares to communion with our Creator.

In a world hungry for meaning and belonging, Psalm 84 reminds us that the greatest fulfilment is found in God.

Blessed Are Those Who Dwell in God’s House

“Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.”The psalmist recognises a special blessing for those who are in God’s presence.

Today, we might not live physically in a temple, but we are called to be in in Christ, to make our home in Him. Jesus Himself said, “Abide in me, and I in you.” To dwell with God is to make Him central in our daily lives—to pray, to worship, to meditate on His word, and to live according to His will.

This blessing is not just for a select few but is open to everyone who seeks Him. The psalmist’s longing should stir us to deepen our own devotion, to reprioritise our lives so that God’s presence is not just an occasional visit, but our true home.

Finding Strength on the Journey

The psalm continues, “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.” The journey to God’s presence was, for many Israelites, a literal pilgrimage to Jerusalem. For us, it symbolises our spiritual journey—our walk of faith, filled with valleys and hardships. The “Valley of Baca” mentioned in the psalm was likely a dry and difficult place, but those who trusted in God found refreshment and strength along the way.

What valleys are you walking through today? Times of sorrow, loss, or confusion? Psalm 84 assures us that those who trust in God find their strength renewed. God does not promise to remove all difficulties, but He transforms our deserts into springs and our struggles into sources of blessing.

Better Is One Day in God’s Courts

The heart of Psalm 84 is the declaration, “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” This is the voice of someone who has discovered that there is nothing better than in life than a life spent with God. Status, wealth, or comfort pale in comparison to the joy of being near the LORD.

The psalmist would rather “stand at the threshold” of God’s house than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.

This challenges us to consider our own priorities. Are we willing to lay aside worldly ambitions to seek God above all? Do we truly believe that one moment with Him is better than a lifetime elsewhere? The psalm calls us to reconsider our desires.

The Generosity and Faithfulness of God

The psalm ends with a promise: “The LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favour and honour; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”

God is both our light and protector. He is generous, gracious, and faithful. While we may not always understand His ways, we can trust that He doesn’t hold back good things from His children.

Walking blamelessly doesn’t mean perfection, but a heart turned towards God, seeking His guidance and forgiveness. As we look too Him, He delights to bless us—not always with what we want, but always with what is truly good.

Conclusion: The Pilgrimage of Our Hearts

Psalm 84 is a song for pilgrims—people on a journey towards God. May it inspire us to hunger for God’s presence, to find our strength in Him, and to cherish time with Him above all else. Let us echo the psalmist: “LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.”

HYMN

Just as I am (316 songs of fellowship book 1)

Introduction

Luke 18:9-14 presents the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, a story told by Jesus to highlight the true nature of prayer and the attitude of the heart that pleases God. This passage invites us to examine our own approach to prayer, humility, and self-awareness. The parable follows the previous one about the widow and unjust judge that speaks of praying without giving up.

READING 2

Luke 18:9–14 ESV

9 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.”

    MAIN SERMON

The Parable Recalled

In this story, Jesus gives us two contrasting figures. The Pharisee, a religious leader respected for his piety and strict adherence to the law, we find him standing confidently as he lists his virtues before God, thanking Him that he is not like other people – extortioners, adulterers, or even like the tax collector nearby.

The tax collector, due to his job is despised by society for collaborating with the Romans and often associated with greed, he can’t even lift his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beats his breast and pleads, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”

Examining the Pharisee

The Pharisee’s prayer is not so much a dialogue with God as it is a monologue of how great his is. He doesn’t want for anything or shows any need or dependence on God.

Rather, he bases his pray by contrasting himself and others, and especially the tax collector, to highlight his own merits even more. This attitude reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of grace. By focusing on his own good deeds and the failings of others, the Pharisee leaves little room for humility, gratitude, or genuine spiritual growth. His reliance on external markers of righteousness it actually blinds him to his own need for God’s mercy.

The Humility of the Tax Collector

The tax collector’s posture is entirely different. He stands at a distance, eyes downcast, fully aware of his unworthiness. His simple, heartfelt prayer is one of contrition and hope: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” This is a prayer of desperation and sincerity. It acknowledges his brokenness in his prayer the tax collector opens himself to the transforming power of God’s forgiveness.

It’s in this moment of deep humility, demonstrating that true righteousness doesn’t lies in outward displays, but in an honest relationship with God.

Jesus’ Reversal of Expectations

Jesus concludes his story much I’m sure to the surprise of the Pharisees who were listening.

when Jesus gives the parable has a surprising twist: it is the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who goes home justified before God. “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be exalted.” This is a radical reversal, upending the order of religious expectations about who is close to God. It serves as a warning against self-righteousness and an invitation to seek to come humbly before our God.

Personal Application

As we reflect on this passage, we might ask ourselves: who do we most identify with in the parable? Are there times when we, like the Pharisee, take pride in our own goodness and look down on others?

Are there moments when we subtly compare ourselves to those, we consider less worthy, measuring our own value by their shortcomings?

This parable calls us to examine those hidden tendencies and to seek a more honest and humble approach before God.

On the other hand, the honesty of the tax collector’s prayer reminds us that God desires authenticity above everything else. We don’t need to hide our failings or pretend to be better than we are. Instead, we are invited to come just as we are – flawed, needy, and hopeful – trusting in God’s mercy. This kind of humility is not about self-loathing but about recognising the truth of our situation and opening ourselves to grace.

Community Implications

This parable has a deeper meaning its personal challenge, this parable speaks to our life together in community. How do we treat those we consider “sinners” or outsiders?

Do we create space for honest confession and forgiveness, or do we, perhaps unconsciously, foster a culture of judgement and exclusion? Following Jesus’ teaching means building communities marked by humility, compassion, and welcome – places where no one is ever beyond the reach of God’s mercy.

A Reflection in Prayer

Perhaps the most fitting response to this passage is to echo the prayer of the tax collector: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” In these words, we find the heart of Christian spirituality – not in pride or comparison, but in humble trust. As we pray, we might ask for the grace to see ourselves as we truly are and for the courage to approach God with honesty. And by doing this, we open ourselves to receive the justification and healing that only God can give.

Conclusion

Luke 18:9-14 remains a powerful reminder that the way to God is found not through self-praise or some sort of spiritual competition, but through humility and truth.

As we reflect on this passage, may we be inspired to surrender our pretensions, to pray with sincerity, and to build communities where mercy is more important than judgement. In the end, it is in our moments of greatest honesty and humility that we are truly exalted before our God.

HYMN

Be still and know (41 songs of fellowship book 1)

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Merciful God, thank you for your care for us; thank you that you love it when we are honest before you, thank you that we can bring ourselves to you, in the full knowledge that you know us, you hear our sincerest cries, and you care for each one of us. Amen.

Merciful God, we pray for all people the world over who, like the Pharisee, think themselves better than most.

We ask your hand on those whose eyes are blind to their own shortcomings, hearts that are full of their own importance, minds that fail to acknowledge the worth of others.

Merciful God may those of humble heart and mind draw strength from your pools of blessing.

We pray for those killed protesting in Iran, for the many migrant children in this country who have gone missing, for all who are being exploited by others, those drawn in to gang culture, or the world of drugs, or sex trades.

Merciful God may those of humble heart and mind draw strength from your pools of blessing.

We pray for your church. May all who profess to serve and follow you be aware of their own shortcomings and vulnerabilities, be honest and true, living lives worthy of your name.

Merciful God may those of humble heart and mind draw strength from your pools of blessing.

We pray for the stability of this country’s government, in its present turmoil. May they be in tune with people from all walks of life and with you.

Merciful God may those of humble heart and mind draw strength from your pools of blessing.

We pray for the vulnerable, that their needs, whatever they may be, will be met: especially those still awaiting operations due to the lack of blood supplies; and those needing to use the food banks in our communities, many of which are in crisis due to depleted donations. May all your created people recognise the equal worth of others.

Merciful God may those of humble heart and mind draw strength from your pools of blessing. Amen.

HYMN

Be, thou my Vision (42 songs of fellowship book 1)

BLESSING

You, O Lord, are here among us. You call us by name and you never give up on us. We feel humble, because you are so awesome. We place all our hope and trust in you. Give us courage to boast about your love for us, wherever we go, today and always. Amen.