You have read Jesus’ parable about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector who went to the temple to pray in Luke 18:9-17.

“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. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 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!’”

Here is one short “prayer” with five “I’s” directed to himself and not to God. Here is one shorter prayer that means “God be propitiated.” Propitiated? The sinner was thinking of the mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant that occupied the Holy of Holies in the Temple. His prayer was “be toward me as You are when You look upon the blood-sprinkled mercy seat.” In Jesus Christ God is propitiated (makes it possible for my sin to be forgiven) and merciful (forgives me).

Jesus said, “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.” We come to Him humbly and grateful.

“Thank You, Lord Jesus! Your mercy endureth forever. Your loving kindness is everlasting. Your faithful love never quits. Your steadfast love never fails and continues forever.”

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