“He (Jesus) also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’” (Luke 18:9-14)
We’ve all read Jesus’s parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18, but we want you to read it this time from the perspective that you are the Pharisee. Now read it again with the perspective that you are the tax collector.
How did each perspective about prayer make you feel? What was going through your mind as you read from their viewpoint?
The 2nd Pillar of Lent we’re talking about is prayer. Why is prayer the easiest thing for some people to do and the hardest thing for others? Some people pray with a flow like it’s first nature to them and other have more “ums” and “uhs” than they have actual words in them. But you know what? The Father loves them all, whether eloquent or inarticulate. As you go through this 5th week of Lent, remember that any sincere prayer uttered from a soft heart is much better than a hardened heart that speaks none at all.
Emily wrote about different prayers that can are common during Lent and gives resources in this article.
What are your prayers like right now? Are they self-focused or focused on others? Maybe you could start a prayer journal to write out daily gratitudes to the Lord. Maybe you could keep a journal of prayer requests for yourself and others. Or maybe you could do both if you’re feeling ambitious, but start somewhere and let the Lord lead you in growing your prayer time with Him. He loves to be in communion with us.