Luke 18:9-14 (New International Version)

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

⁹To some who were confident of their own

righteousness and looked down on everybody else,

Jesus told this parable: ¹⁰"Two men went up to the

temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax

collector. ¹¹The Pharisee stood up and prayed

about^[a] himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like

other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even

like this tax collector. ¹²I 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 everyone who
exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles
himself will be exalted."

 

Come before the Lord with thanksgiving and praise.

Psalm 71:8

 

Play gospel music or turn on your local gospel radio station.

Reflect on the many blessings that God has given you. Despite

how bad things may seem, thank God for what you have. When

one comes before an earthly king, one comes with a gift and

goodtidings. With the King of Kings, this is also true. Your gift is

the sincerity of your heart and goodtidings is thanking Him for His

mercy in your life.  You may want to take the praise party into the

bathroom and continue listening to the music, reflecting on your

life and thanking Him as you bathe.