Who are you?

Read aloud this story that Jesus told. And as you read it, pretend that you have never heard the story before. And then when you finish reading it, as yourself the question: "Who am I?"

The Story

 9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people-robbers, evildoers, adulterers-or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

   13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

   14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Okay, so now ask the question. "Who am I?"

Which of these two guys prayers sounds most like your prayers? Which attitude matches your attitude?

When you come into a time of prayer, focus upon who God is. That's the beginning of prayer.

But any authentic encounter of prayer ought to also cause you to see yourself very clearly.

So now, go ahead and pray your prayer aloud, and then (listening to yourself) ask again the question, "Who am I?"