Prepare for your prayer time by lighting a candle or by ringing the opening bell in the right hand column at the website here. Allow the ringing of the bell to draw you into sacred space with God. Take a few deep breaths, breathing in God's love and presence, breathing out any distractions or worries.
Jesus, As we journey through this 40 days with you, teach us to pray.
Read the scripture passage slowly and prayerfully. Pay attention to any words or phrases that particularly catch your attention.
Luke 18:9-14
Jesus 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 that 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.”
One of the ways that God speaks to us is through scripture. What might God be saying to you in this passage? Take a moment to read through the passage again.
The prayer of the tax collector in this passage is the basis for an ancient prayer called the Jesus Prayer which consists of repeating over and over again the phrase,
“Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner” or
“Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy.”
Spend a few minutes slowly repeating this prayer. If possible, say the words aloud. Really listen to each word as you say it. Repeat the line until you feel ready to stop but try to stay with it for at least 3 or 4 minutes.
Throughout the day, repeat the prayer to yourself, allowing it to draw your attention back to Christ.
What was your experience of this prayer? What does the word mercy mean to you? What is it that you are asking Jesus for? How does it feel to name yourself “a sinner”? Share your thoughts and feelings with God.
May this prayer prepare our hearts for this Ash Wednesday and for the 40 days of Lent.
Jesus, As we journey through this 40 days with you, teach us to pray.
Read the scripture passage slowly and prayerfully. Pay attention to any words or phrases that particularly catch your attention.
Luke 18:9-14
Jesus 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 that 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.”
One of the ways that God speaks to us is through scripture. What might God be saying to you in this passage? Take a moment to read through the passage again.
The prayer of the tax collector in this passage is the basis for an ancient prayer called the Jesus Prayer which consists of repeating over and over again the phrase,
“Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner” or
“Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy.”
Spend a few minutes slowly repeating this prayer. If possible, say the words aloud. Really listen to each word as you say it. Repeat the line until you feel ready to stop but try to stay with it for at least 3 or 4 minutes.
Throughout the day, repeat the prayer to yourself, allowing it to draw your attention back to Christ.
What was your experience of this prayer? What does the word mercy mean to you? What is it that you are asking Jesus for? How does it feel to name yourself “a sinner”? Share your thoughts and feelings with God.
May this prayer prepare our hearts for this Ash Wednesday and for the 40 days of Lent.
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