The Pharisee Prays, The Tax Collector Prays

During my quiet time this morning, I read Luke 18. There, Jesus told His disciples the story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector… massive lessons in the text:

“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’

But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
(Luke 18:10-14 ESV)

It was evident God was ministering to me. I needed to search my heart. I needed to purge my mind. I needed to guard my heart. I needed to take heed and kill pride. I needed to recognise God’s mercy over my life. Indeed, I was once a sinner; and sometimes I echo with Apostle Paul… ‘I’m chief of sinners’
But I’m so thankful for His grace, salvation and redemption over me. There’s nothing I am, have and will ever be that I’ve not received from the Lord, hence what’s the point of boasting?!

When we come before God in prayer, are we humble enough, thankful enough, grateful enough? Or do we pray the words of the tax collector with the heart of the Pharisee?

May God help us!