On Prayer

When Jesus contrasts the prayer of the Pharisee with that of the tax collector (Publican, in some translations) (Lk 18: 9-14), he points out the need for humility.  "A humble and contrite heart, the Lord will not disdain." (Ps 51: 17).  When our conversations are inflated or centered on ourselves, we force a disconnect:  no one likes to hear someone bragging about his or her "greatness".  The Pharisee, while perhaps telling the truth, uses his story to degrade the rest of humanity.  The comparison is odious.  The tax collector, however, recognizing his lowliness and sinfulness, prays simply for mercy.  What a beautiful stance to take before God, what honesty and truth!  His prayer has been expanded a bit into the classic "Jesus Prayer":  Lord Jesus, Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.  This prayer acknowledges who Jesus is and who the person praying is.  Simple, to the point, humble, effective and so short, it can and should be repeated as often as we can during those moments in between tasks, or at least at the top of every hour.  It's a good one to add to our prayer life.
Bro. Rene