The Prayers You’re Not Proud Of | Pastor Steven Furtick | Elevation Church

Main message: God hears and uses the prayers you're embarrassed by — distracted, angry, mumbling, or even "I give up" prayers — when they come from humility; start where you are, pray anyway, and expect God to provide in unexpected ways and through an often messy process.

Key points:

• Humble, honest prayers (not polished or proud) are heard and powerful; pride hinders prayer.
• The Pharisee/tax‑collector parable illustrates that humility, not religiosity, wins God's attention.
• Elijah's story (James/1 Kings) shows that earnest prayer can change circumstances, but it also brings unpredictable provision and a not‑pretty process.
• Obedience can function as prayer — God may provide as you follow him, sometimes through unlikely means.
• Even "I give up" or mumble prayers can be answered; God often responds by sustaining and raising people up rather than removing the trial.

Scriptures mentioned: James 5:16-18, 1 Kings 17, Luke 18:9 (parable of the Pharisee and tax collector), Psalm 58, Romans 8:26, Matthew 7:9-11