Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (Luke 18:9-14)

Heavenly Father,

You see the depths of every heart, and You know our true condition before You as You teach us today that true righteousness is not found in pride but in humble trust in Your mercy. Lord, keep us from the temptation to compare ourselves with others or to believe that we are better because of our works and remove from our hearts every form of pride, self-righteousness, and judgment of our brothers and sisters.

 Today, we come before You, like the tax collector in the temple, have mercy on us, Lord and forgive our sins, heal our weaknesses, and purify our hearts. Teach us to stand before You with sincerity, acknowledging that every good gift comes from Your grace alone and may we learn to trust not in our own merits, but in Your infinite love and compassion.

 Lord Jesus, grant that our prayer may be simple and humble, our hearts open to conversion, and our lives filled with gratitude for Your mercy. Raise us up, O Lord, not because we are worthy, but because You are rich in mercy. You who live and reign forever and ever. Amen!