Every changed heart is a proof of God’s answer of our prayers.

According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, "Christian prayer in its full New Testament meaning is prayer addressed to God as Father, in the name of Christ as Mediator, and through the enabling grace of the indwelling Spirit." According to the saints, prayer is "an aspiration of the heart" (St Therese of Lisieux), "a place of refuge for every wrong" (St John Chrysostom), "the inner bath of love". (St John Vianney). As Christians, we know that prayer is a way of communication to God, a conversation with Him, a direct address in His presence.

Today's Gospel presents two ways of praying. The self-righteous Pharisee who prayed to himself and the "sinful" tax collector who prayed to God. In fact, the Pharisee's words were no prayer. In spelling out what he believed was factual, his words turned into boasting. He became so self-absorbed that he had no room for God. (He even reminded God of the deficiency of the tax collector, assuming himself the role of a judge). In contrast, the prayer of the tax collector was simple and humble. He felt the need for God. He needed His mercy and forgiveness. In the end, the tax collector was justified by God while the Pharisee, who needed nothing and asked for nothing, received nothing.

Indeed prayer defines one's relationship with God. The way one prays reveals that relationship. The Scriptures are replete with stories of prayers. Through prayers, Hezekiah was delivered from the king of Assyria (2 Kings 19:14-36); Daniel was saved from the lion's den and the three men from the fiery furnace (Dan 3:24, 6:11); the Israelites were spared from God's wrath and their enemies (Moses' prayers in Nm11:2, Ex 16-17); Hannah was granted a son (1 Sam 1:20), Esther her plea (Est C 14) and the apostles boldness (Acts 4:24-31). Prayers are answered when offered with humility and supplication by those who are in the right relationship with God (cf Jas 5:16). "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer" (1 Peter 3:12) and "the prayer of the upright is His delight" (Pro 15:8). On the contrary, "if I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear" (Ps 66:18).

True prayers bring us closer to God for the heart of the one who prays will be changed. When our desires are aligned with God's, then our prayers are answered according to His will. Every changed heart is a proof of God's answer of our prayers.