Ps 34: 2-3, 17-19, 23
2 Tim 4: 6-8, 16-18
Lk 18: 91-4
Today we are given some guidance in how we should pray. We are offered this guidance in the form of a story about two men who prayed.
One prayed with head held high, listing the many sacrifices he had made for the Lord, and separating himself from the sinners. The other, head and eyes bowed, acknowledged his sinfulness and begged God's mercy. We are told that the second man shall be exalted and the first shall be humbled.
Our prayer is to be in humility, raising up God's name in praise, and recognizing our complete dependence on him.
Sirach affirms this in saying that the "prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds". In our lowliness we are joined with all people. We dare not stand in judgment of anyone. Paul too displays this attitude when he forgives those who have betrayed him. He learned how to depend on the Lord alone.
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