Prayer of Tax Collector and Pharisee

Gracious God, in your holy temple I stand, just another tax collector burdened with sins. My heart aches, humbled beneath the weight of my transgressions. I pray earnestly, not with the vanity of the self-righteous but with a humble heart like this tax collector has been directed to. Father, let your atoning sacrifice cleanse me from my unrighteousness. Just as you have said “those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted,” let it be so for me. ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ Amen.

Gathered here, Lord, we the Pharisees stand tall in our righteousness, praying fervently. We do not falter as we declare our acts of obedience and self-righteousness before You. While others may fall short, bathed in sin’s shadow, we emerged bathed in righteous light through Your divine grace. Humbly basked in self-congratulation, we thank You with hearts filled with pride for not creating us like those less righteous; rather, carving us as vessels to hold Your righteousness supreme. Forever grateful to rest in this assurance of being righteous before You alone, Amen.

In the wisdom of Your parable, Jesus Christ, You called us to genuine humility. As Jesus told the parable of the Pharisee and tax collector, He taught that heaven values sincere repentance over self-righteousness. Visiting the temple to pray, the proud Pharisee stood aloof while Jesus heard the heartfelt plea of a humble sinner. “Indeed,” Jesus answered, exalted is he who humbles himself; dismissed is he who exalts himself. With authority and clarity, Jesus spoke this lesson, letting us contemplate our prayers’ nature. Thus instills in us profound humility when approaching Your Divine presence—for that alone raises us in Your sight; Amen.

In the enigma of the parable You have shown us, O Lord, we find two men; a Pharisee full self-congratulation and a Tax Collector steeped in humility. The Pharisee stood isolated, inflated with his righteousness, dutifully fasting twice a week, setting himself above other men. Yet the tax collector humbly acknowledged his sins and prayed for mercy. Stirred by this contrast, remind us to recognize our shortcomings and reproach our spiritual complacency. Let it be known that he who exalts himself shall be humbled; but he who humbles himself shall indeed be exalted. Amen.

Oh, good Teacher, this Pharisee stands before You in transparency and humility. Having worn a facade of righteousness, I acknowledge that my lips uttered false testimony of myself. Rather than faith guiding me, arrogance expertly steered my heart. With fervent reflection upon Your word in Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a pure heart, O God,” I now seek genuine faith and true humility. As the transgressions you forbade unfold before us – people become robbers, evildoers, adulterers – remind me also of my own inclination to commit adultery against You with prideful thoughts. In Your mercy, dispel my self-righteousness and reignite a humble spirit within me. In faithfulness to You and Your commandments, may our hearts align with Your will as diligently as our actions seek to mirror your teachings. Amen.

Merciful Lord, I stand before Your all-knowing eyes, beating my breast in remorseful contrition. Desiring not to be boastful but humble, for only the meek shall inherit the eternal life and rejoice in Your kingdom as justified guests in Your house. I remain hopeful, remembering Luke 18:13 “God be merciful to me a sinner.” To You alone God belongs the power to forgive and grant me an eternal life. Amen.

In this sacred temple we stand, one righteous Pharisee and a tax collector even like me. As the ruler asked in reflection, we offer our prayers—different in tone, sincere at heart. Just as You accept gifts from the rich and alms from the poor alike, Lord, bless us. As mankind brings its babies into Your holy court, mold us to be humble like a little child. Your love never discriminates; teach us to do likewise. Amen.

Beloved Comforter, as the Pharisee, graciously remind us not to overlook the little children, the poor and despised among us. Let our hearts reflect Your humility and compassion, our spirits carry their cross with kindness, showing relentless faith in You. Teach us, O Lord, like the Tax Collector, to uphold love and care for these little ones discarded by society. By Your mercy alone do we exist – let us serve as vessels of Your grace for others in need. Amen.

Lord, witness the falsehoods spread by those who bear false testimony and deem themselves right. With fervent indignation, I cry out against these people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—who violate Thy divine law. Unlike them, I do not commit adultery nor join the ranks of those lost in their sinfulness. Good Teacher, strengthen me so I may stand resolute against such injustices and defend our sacred code. Uphold Your justice amongst us; let not the noble become as adulterers or even like those who distort Your truth for their wicked gains. Amen.