2025 04 12

Luke 18:9-14 New King James Version

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
     Jesus, we have no righteousness except what you give us.

10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
     Father, please help us go into your temple to pray with others.

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.
     Lord, the Pharisee prayed to himself and not to God. His prayer was all boasting and self-righteousness.

12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’      
     Father, works done without faith are valueless.

13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’
     Holy Spirit, please give me the humility of the tax collector as I pray.

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
     Lord, the tax collector trusted in God and his mercy. The Pharisee trusted in himself. Please help me pray with faith like the tax collector. Thank you.

A Word Received: Look to me as you pray.

Albany Intercessor