Key Scripture

9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and

looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two

men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other

a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God,

I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers,

adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week

and give a tenth of all I get.’

13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even

look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy

on me, a sinner.’

14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home

justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be

humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Prayer

Father,

Thank you for rescuing me in my darkest hour, when I wanted

control but had none. When I wanted to be seen but needed to be

hidden and found only by you. You alone were able to put me

back together as a new creation, better than I ever could have

imagined and what you have done for me, I know it is your desire

to do for everyone.

Thank you Jesus, for I am found and made whole in you.

In the powerful name of Jesus I pray, Amen!