begging for mercy

Opening Prayer: O God, have mercy on us.  Far too often we think more highly of ourselves and our efforts than we ought.  Far too often we come casually and comfortably into your presence, when we should come in reverence and humility.  Give us the right posture and the proper attitude as we come into your presence this day.  Teach us to pray, O God.  Amen.  

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Journal: What strikes you most about this parable?  How does it teach you to pray?

Reflection: Prayer is not so much about method and technique, it seems, as it is about attitude and posture.  When we think we have mastered it, or become proficient at it, we have surely lost our way.  When we feel like we’ve arrived, we have not yet even begun.  When we think we have learned to say great prayers to God, we are most likely only praying to ourselves.

     The way directly into God’s heart is the lowly way.  It comes through getting dirty.  Or, better yet, through realizing that we already are dirty—in desperate need of his love and his mercy.  It comes through crawling to him.  It comes through humbling ourselves—fully realizing who we are and who he is—rather than exalting ourselves.  This is the way to prayer.  This is the only way we are ever able to go home justified before God.

Prayer

Closing Prayer: O God, have mercy on me, a sinner.