A prayer for grace

Liz Crumlish March 02, 2021 0 4

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Luke 18: 9-14 (NRSVA)

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. 11 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 this tax-collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” 13 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!” 14 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.’

Lord, remind me

that following you

is not a competitive sport

My sin is not diminished

because I deem another’s sin as greater

My perceived righteousness

does not lessen

my need of your grace.

Once again

You queer our binary world

pitching up with grace

In the prayer of confession

and in your words of absolution

may I experience your grace

as powerfully

and as vitally

as in the gift of the Eucharist.

Let the experience of your forgiveness

change the way I encounter others

softening those hard edges

that make me quick to judge

smoothing out the abrasions

that foster harshness

May the knowledge of your infinite, healing love

encourage me to risk being hurt

again and again

as I live into

that part of you that dwells in me

and connects with your presence in others.

May humility consist in recognising

the sheer wonder of your creation

shining through us

bringing glory to you

And may we live into

and live out of

the forgiveness we receive

from you, God of forgiveness and grace.