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❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/Luke18:1–14;Matthew19:1–12;Mark10:1–12;Matthew19:13–30;Mark10:13–31;Luke18:15–30 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org
Today’s Bible Verse:"The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’" — Luke 18:11–12 Spiritual pride can disguise itself as devotion. The Pharisee in Luke 18 stood in the temple, listing his good deeds and comparing himself to others — confident in his own righteousness rather than God’s mercy. This passage reminds us that prayer isn’t a performance but a posture of humility before the Lord. God doesn’t measure our worth by our spiritual résumé but by the sincerity of our hearts. “Want to listen without ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe/ MEET YOUR HOST: Dr. Kyle Norman at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ The Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman is the Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada. He holds a doctorate in Spiritual formation and is a sought-after writer, speaker, and retreat leader. His writing can be found at Christianity.com, crosswalk.com, ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada, and many others. Rev. Norman has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Reading by Felipe Frutos --- Luke 18 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2018&version=ESV&interface=print
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“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.” (Luke 18:1 NLT) We’ve talked about the how and when of prayer, but what about the why? Why should we pray? The short answer is that Jesus told us to. In Luke 18:1, He shows His followers that “they should always pray and never give up” (NLT). Is there any better reason than that? Doctors recommend certain things for our health. We may not always understand why they’re beneficial—only that they are. The same thing goes for Jesus’ instruction to pray. We may not know why or how, but good things happen when we pray. It’s important to note, too, that Jesus wasn’t a do-as-I-say-and-not-as-I-do type of guy. Though He was God in human form, He maintained a very active prayer life. Before He fed thousands of people with five loaves of bread and two fish, “Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people” (John 6:11 NLT). Matthew 19:13 says, “One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them” (NLT). Before He raised Lazarus from the dead, “Jesus looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me’” (John 11:41–42 NLT). When His arrest was at hand, Jesus retreated to the Garden of Gethsemane. “He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine’” (Luke 22:41–42 NLT). On the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34 NLT); “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46 NLT); and “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” (Luke 23:46 NLT). Luke 5:16 says, “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer” (NLT). He was refreshed and reenergized by the time He spent in fellowship and conversation with God. If Jesus felt the need to pray, we should, too. We could point out that praying is not a difficult task. Jesus said, “For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:30 NLT). We could point out that Jesus gave us the instructions we need to establish and maintain an active, vital prayer life when He taught His disciples to pray in Luke 11:1–13. We could point out that He modeled prayer for us throughout the Gospels. But all we need to know is that Jesus instructed us to pray. “Jesus replied, ‘All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me’” (John 14:23–24 NLT). That’s all the reason we need to pray. Reflection question: When do you feel the need to pray? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's an honest difference between "looking" holy and "living" a holy life. Reflecting on Luke 18:9–14, Fred and Kara explore how pride and comparison creep into our hearts, why appearances are not what God looks at, and how one's heart is truly the measure holiness. Looking beyond all you do for God, what does your heart look like? Let's dive into how pride can creep into our prayer life, how comparison blinds us to grace, and why holiness is not something we achieve but an interior posture of the heart. Be sure the like/subscribe to DRAW NEAR on your favorite Podcast platform! Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
Luke 18:9-14Jesus addressed this parableto those who were convinced of their own righteousnessand despised everyone else."Two people went up to the temple area to pray;one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity --greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector.I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.'But the tax collector stood off at a distanceand would not even raise his eyes to heavenbut beat his breast and prayed,'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
Luke 18:9-14Jesus addressed this parableto those who were convinced of their own righteousnessand despised everyone else."Two people went up to the temple area to pray;one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity --greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector.I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.'But the tax collector stood off at a distanceand would not even raise his eyes to heavenbut beat his breast and prayed,'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
Embracing the Mercy of God | Luke 18:9-15 | 102625 by Corey
CURRENT SERMON SERIES: In God's Presence: Three Ways to Pray October 19 – November 2 Prayer is more than words—it's a way of being in active relationship with the divine. This three-week sermon series explores the prayer practices of petition, confession, and intercession through a view of God who is profoundly relational, responsive, and ever evolving with creation. Rather than approaching prayer as a way of changing God's mind about a pre-ordained outcome, we'll discover how these forms open us to deeper transformation, healing, and alignment with the flow of divine love and possibility. Each week will offer a new pathway into God's presence, helping us cultivate a more honest, compassionate, and empowering spirituality. Join us as we learn to pray not just to God, but with God, in a world alive with divine possibility.
Fr. Mead contrasts résumé-religion with the tax collector's plea for mercy and calls us to drop the scorecard and trust Christ alone. Luke 18:9–14 Jesus told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, `God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, `God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18.9-14) Dawson Roesch October 26, 2025 by Deer Creek Church
This week, Pastor Joe wraps up our three-week Generosity series by turning to Jesus' parable found in Luke 18:9-14. How might we be challenged to be generous by recognizing our worth, not in comparison to each other, but all under God's faithfulness and God's mercy?
Readings: Jeremiah 14:7-10,19-22 | Psalm 84:1-6 | 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18 | Luke 18:9-14. Preached for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost (2025-10-26).
To approach God knowing your sinful self, thankful for grace and asking for mercy and help; an approach absent of pride in your own "goodness" and "virtue"...Live streams are available each Sunday at 11:00 am on our website, app, and Vimeo at: https://vimeo.com/chippewaumcChippewaUMC.org
Lead Pastor Kris McDaniel preaches from Luke.Learn more at atltrinity.org.
Jesus addressed this parableto those who were convinced of their own righteousnessand despised everyone else."Two people went up to the temple area to pray;one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity --greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector.I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.'But the tax collector stood off at a distanceand would not even raise his eyes to heavenbut beat his breast and prayed,'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
Sermon by Fr. Peter Smith20th Sunday of Ordinary TimeQuestions for Group Discussion1. In what ways do the Pharisee and the tax collector represent a different spiritual posture towards God, towards themselves, and towards others?2. How does the physical posture of each man as they prayed say something about their spiritual posture?3. What does it mean that Jesus says only the tax collector was “justified”?4. In our Sunday liturgy, where can you see Jesus' teaching in this parable exemplified?5. As you follow Jesus, how does your prayer life need to grow in better posture towards God, towards yourself, and towards others?
Do you feel stuck—like the energy for life, progress, and action is just out of reach? The practice of asking for forgiveness may be the key that unlocks the flow again. Join us as we explore how humility, honesty, and grace can transform even the most stagnant places in our souls.
Sermon Luke 18:9-17 Focused Faith by Community Lutheran Church
Sermon - Luke 18:9 - 17 - Where Faith Is Found by Community Lutheran Church
Message by Joel Sims. Are you interested in learning more about Four Corners Church? Visit: http://www.fourhuntsville.com
Joshua Mack | Luke 18:31-43
Readings: Jeremiah 14:7-10,19-22 | Psalm 84:1-6 | 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18 | Luke 18:9-14. Preached for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost (2025-10-26).
When Jesus told the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector, there was a great deal packed into it. The Pharisee was certainly believing in his own righteousness, but what does the tax collector mean when he asks for mercy? When we ask for mercy, we aren't merely asking God to overlook our sins, we are asking for an atonement that will truly cover over our misdeeds and enable us to be in his presence forever.Image: The wub, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Sermon Podcasts from Calvary Lutheran Church Perham Minnesota
Welcome to Calvary Lutheran Church 619 3RD AVE SW, PERHAM, MN 56573 Thank God. Share Jesus. Help Others Prayer of the Day Gracious God, strengthen our hope in you. Daily your mercy surprises us with everlasting forgiveness. Teach us to love what is worth loving, to reject what is offensive to you, and to treasure what is precious in your sight, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Support Our Livestream Ministry—and Empower Our Youth! Each week, our YouTube, Facebook Live and our podcast services are made possible by our amazing youth media team. That's right—they run the cameras, audio, and streaming software—and we're proud to pay them for their work, helping them build life skills while serving the church. Your donation supports: Livestream costs (equipment, internet, tools) Paid media roles for our youth Continued outreach through digital ministry If you've been blessed by our services, consider giving here: https://www.calvaryperham.com/gifts Thank you for helping us serve our community—and raise up the next generation! Facebook: / calvaryperham YouTube: / @calvaryperham Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7hbXujm... Podcast public site https://rss.com/podcasts/april16th2023/ Lakes 99.5 Radio Sundays at Ten Thirty AM https://player.listenlive.co/64121 TUESDAY WORSHIP 9 AM Arvig TV Channel 14 Egiving https://secure.myvanco.com/YMVS/home Website: https://calvaryperham.com/ Vanco Mobile App on Phone/Tablet: Vanco Mobile Faith Engagement has replaced the Give+ App. Search “vanco mobile faith engagement” in the app store to download on your phone or tablet, Calvary is “Calvary Lutheran Church ELCA.” Website: Click the orange E-Giving button at https://calvaryperham.com/
Year C, Proper 25, Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost
Send me a Text Message!Listen God is so good. I understand, every tragedy, every hurt, every funeral and every divorce; every disappointment seems to be marketing for unanswered prayer and unanswered prayers cause us to question the limits of God's goodness. But God's goodness has no limits. Not only can He help you, He wants to help you. Now I have to be honest, there are some prayers He will never answer, because He has something better in mind for us. But as we go back to Luke 18, we are going to see that there is a prayer, we can pray, that God will always answer...and quickly."God give me justice over my adversary." Now that prayer may not mean what you think it means, so you should listen and then pray!
Send me a Text Message!In Luke 18, Jesus tells a story with a meaning, often called a parable. But in this case, Jesus starts with the "why," the meaning. Often when Jesus told a parable,he wouldn't give the why. He wanted the listeners to grapple with the meaning without being fed the answer. But in this case, the why of the story is so important that Jesus tells it up front. "Don't miss this." He's saying. "I'm going to tell you a story and I want the story to always remind you of the fact that we should alwayspray and never give up. Never forget this. Always pray. Never give up.Basically Jesus is repeating a message we find over and over again in the Bible. "Don't lose heart." When it comes to prayer, find something good to pray for and then don't stop. Don't lose heart!
• Rev. Paul Sannerud message for Wed., Oct. 22 2025• Luke 18:1-8 (The parable of the widow and the unjust judge)• Revised Common Lectionary: Year C• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us for worship! 1stlu.org/worship
Program for 10/22/2025 SAS Chapel: Luke 18:35-19:10
Luke 18:1-8Jesus told his disciples a parableabout the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.He said, "There was a judge in a certain townwho neither feared God nor respected any human being.And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.'For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,because this widow keeps bothering meI shall deliver a just decision for herlest she finally come and strike me.'"The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen oneswho call out to him day and night?Will he be slow to answer them?I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Program for 10/21/25 SAS Chapel: Luke 18:1-34
Executive Pastor Nate Smith preaches from Luke.Learn more at atltrinity.org.