Our Scripture reading today is Luke 18:13-14.
Verse 14, "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
We are quickly able to see the difference between the Pharisee and the publican. The publican came with the proper attitude of self and left a changed man. The publican saw himself as a wretched sinner who was not worthy to be in the presence of God. “He actually prayed, ‘O God be merciful to me — a sinner,’ as if he was not merely a sinner, but the sinner par excellence.” (Barclay) His attitude of humility brought about his justification.
The Pharisee was using prayer as a way to be exalted and praised. The publican approached prayer almost as if he was unworthy to pray because of his sinful life. He knew who he was on the inside and this humbled him. Let's all take a lesson from this humble publican and see things as they really are. We all need God's mercy every single day and He is more than willing to give it to those who are humble. Lamentations 3:22, "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not."