Two Prayers
Humble Hearts
Luke 18:9-14about 2 minutes to read aloud
Jesus told this story to some who were sure of their own goodness. "Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee. The other was a tax collector."
"The Pharisee stood up tall. 'God, I thank You that I am not like other people — cheaters, thieves, or even this tax collector. I fast. I give a tenth of all I earn.'"
"The tax collector stood far off. He would not even look up to heaven."
"He beat his chest and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'"
"I tell you," Jesus said, "it was the tax collector who went home made right with God. Not the Pharisee."
"For everyone who lifts himself up will be brought low. And everyone who bows himself low will be lifted up." The Lord never turns a humble prayer away.
Questions to talk about
Where were the two men praying?
Show the answer
Two men went up to the temple to pray.
What did the tax collector pray?
Show the answer
He would not even look up, and he asked God for mercy.
Who went home right with God?
Show the answer
Jesus said it was the tax collector who went home right with God.
The lesson
The Lord hears the prayer that has no pride in it. A humble heart is welcomed by the King of kings.
