[Jesus] also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”

- Luke 18:9-14 (NRSV)

The words “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner” form what is known as the Jesus Prayer – a simple prayer and one that is profound for us all. It is sourced from the Biblical passage above: to pray this prayer is to uphold the tax collector as an example of humility and our need for God this Lent.

Thus, let us pray:

Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner

Amen

REVD CLAUDIA COUSTAS

CHAPLAIN