WHY PRAY—TO GET AND NOT TO GIVE
“Two men went up into the temple to pray…The Pharisee…prayed thus…God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publician” (Luke 18:10-11 KJV).
“boasting” before God of what we are and of what we have done, is abominable in his sight. This spoils everything, even if the life “should be” tolerably blameless, and if there should be real piety” Barnes’ Notes (ref#16, [Luke 18:12]).
“When you come to the throne of grace, come to receive out of Christ’s fullness, and come not to bring grace with you to add to Christ’s store. He loves to give, and glories in giving; but He scorns to receive grace from you; and in truth you have none to give but what He gives you. Bring your wants to Him to supply, but bring not your fullness to brag about” Robert Traill (ref#225, Oct 6th).
“The publician…came to the throne of grace, like a man that would carry something away” Robert Traill (ref#225, Oct 6th).
“he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty” (Luke 1:53 ESV).
“…it is very much for our interest to be constantly supplicating him…although it is true that while we are listless or insensible to our wretchedness, he wakes and watches for us and sometimes even assists us unasked” John Calvin (ref#20, section 3).
“…he [GOD] does not answer, because of…pride…” (Job 35:12 ESV, brackets mine).
Bonnie's Prayer Affair 