Two Prayers in the Temple

Frank Wesley, 1923-2002.

To some who were confident of their own righteousness

and looked down on everyone else,

Jesus told this parable:

“Two men went up to the temple to pray,

one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector

(from Luke 18:9-14)

 “A Pharisee and a tax collector walk into the temple to pray.”

The Pharisee, confident in his relationship with God, thanks God by listing the ways he’s more righteous.

He stands by himself to be sure he’s not touched by anyone less righteous than himself.

The tax collector, even knowing he’s a sinner, goes to the temple to pray.

He stands far away, feeling unworthy as a sinner, and prays anyway.

The tax collector doesn’t look to heaven, beats his chest, and prays, “God have mercy on me a sinner.”

The Pharisee is trusting in himself while praying before God.

The tax collector trusts in God.

The tax collector, comfortable telling God the truth, trusts in God’s promise of salvation.

Through God’s promises, Jesus moral teachings, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance the tax collector can see the difference between right and wrong.

Telling God the truth about who we are, remembering God’s love and forgiveness is a gift to be received, and part of our own story of redemption.