A PRAYER FOR THE 23rd SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Luke 18:9-14
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 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. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13 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!’ 14 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.”
We know we are supposed to pray Lord
We don't always know how
We are good at saying all the correct words
making our prayers flow
Poem as prayers
full of eloquence and meaning
We follow along the liturgy
repeat the words on the screen
or in the bulletin
praying as a whole people of God
We always have our Prayer List
Needs to mention
Friends and family in need
All tidied up so we can beg for your help
Forgive us, Lord Jesus
that we put more importance
on style and substance
and forget we should just come
and be silent
Forgive us, Lord Jesus
that our prayers are often
about what we need or want
and not so much on thanksgiving
or confession
Forgive us, Lord Jesus
that in prayer we tend to
do all the talking
and not much listening
Forgive us, Lord Jesus
that we forget
you showed us how or pray
by going away from the chaos
to sit alone and pray
Forgive us, Lord Jesus
and remind us to pray
as you taught us
Our Father
Who are in heaven
Hallowed be your name
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
on Earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us
For the Kingdom
the Power
the Glory are yours
Now and forever
Amen
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