Luke 18:14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” NLT
THE POSTURE OF HUMILITY
In Luke 18 from verse 10, Jesus told the story of a Pharisee and a tax collector who went to the temple to pray. The tax collector went into prayer with a penitent heart. He knew he was unworthy by human credentials and even by his deeds. However, he pleaded for mercy: "But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner", vs 13. Unlike the Pharisee whom everyone knew to be a religious leader and custodian of the law of Moses. The Pharisee went into prayer with a heart full of spiritual pride. Read the content of his prayer: "...‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!",vs 11.
Jesus said that it was the tax collector that went home justified. Obviously, if he had other requests, God answered as well because the posture of his heart in prayer was right. One mistake some believers make in the place of prayer is that they take on the wrong posture in their heart. They pray with this mentality of "I'm better than brother 'X' who doesn't pay tithe and sow seed, Sister "B" doesn't evangelize, Lord, why should you bless her and not bless me"? A sister who married as a virgin may tell God 101 reasons why she should conceive immediately after marriage. There are ladies who married as virgins but are still trusting God for the fruit of the womb yet there are serial abortionists who made babies like pigs after marriage. That's not to say we're supporting immorality but I want you to know that God's mercy makes the difference in life.
In the place of prayer, you don't brag about your credentials to God as the basis for which He must answer you. Can your sacrifice be greater than that of Christ? We receive answer to prayers because of the righteousness of Christ not ours. Unfortunately, I see a trend in the body of Christ where people engage in service for answer to their prayers or for a turn around. Those with this mentality work in the house of God, pay tithe and evangelize so that they can have a basis for pride in the place of prayer. However, when their expectations aren't met, they become bitter about God. The best posture for kingdom service is the posture of love. I do all I'm doing in God's vineyard because I love God not because of what I want to get from Him. When next you go to God in prayers, let your focus be on the finished work of Christ not in your ability or righteousness. That's how to get answers to prayers.
Adjust the posture of your heart.