Sunday Sermon Keynotes Sunday, October 26, 2025

The Humility of True Prayer

Your Quick Spiritual Refresh for the Week Ahead

Main Theme

"True prayer involves humility, not boasting or putting others down."

Service Summary

The Pharisee in the Temple prays by bragging about his supererogatory acts of fasting and tithing, seeking to be seen and heard by others. The message highlights the importance of humility in prayer and contrasts it with the Pharisee's prideful approach. The sermon warns against the dangers of boasting and self-promotion, emphasizing the value of genuine humility in prayer.

This Week's Actionable Tips

1. Instead of focusing on bragging about our accomplishments, take time this week to practice humility. Reflect on areas where you may have been prideful and intentionally seek to shift your focus to gratitude and service towards others.
2. Challenge yourself to engage in selfless acts of kindness throughout the week. Whether it's holding the door open for someone, offering a listening ear to a friend in need, or volunteering your time to help those less fortunate, look for opportunities to lift others up without seeking recognition for yourself.
3. Take a moment each day to express genuine gratitude to those around you. Whether it's a quick thank you to a coworker, a note of appreciation to a loved one, or a prayer of thanks to a higher power, cultivating a spirit of gratitude can help shift your focus from self-centeredness to a heart of compassion and generosity.

Need a Simple Explanation?

This Sunday's sermon was about two people who went to pray at the Temple, but only one of them left feeling justified. The first person, the Pharisee, stood in a special spot and made sure everyone could see him. He bragged about how good he was, fasting and giving money, and made sure others knew he was better than them. It's like when people show off on social media or in real life to make themselves look good. The lesson here is that it's not about bragging or putting others down, but about being humble and genuine in our actions.

Read Full Sunday Sermon

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Philip Yancey sums it up powerfully with Hebrews 12:15:
"See to it that no one misses out on God's grace."

May you go from here carrying God's grace wherever you tread—so that in every corner of your world, grace is seen, heard, and felt.

Missed the service? Catch up on the full message here

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