Read Luke 18:9-14

THE PARABLE OF THE TWO PRAYING MEN
The people who lived near Jerusalem often went to the Temple to pray. The Temple was the center of their worship.
The Pharisees did not go to the Temple to pray to God but to announce to all within earshot how good he was. The tax collector went recognizing his sin and begging for mercy. Self-righteousness is dangerous. It leads to pride, causes a person to despise others, and prevents him/her from learning anything from God. The tax collector’s prayer should be your prayer because you need God’s mercy every day. Don’t let pride in your achievements cut you off from God.