How Do We Pray?Sample

Lord, here I am. I need You.

The first thing that stands out to me is that the publican did not engage in comparison. He didn't say, "Lord, forgive me because I'm not like this perfect Pharisee," nor did he express a desire to be like him or her. Once again, those who compare themselves to others fail to recognize that only God truly knows each person; our perceptions are always incomplete. The tax collector chose not to compare himself but to surrender to the God who knows us and never makes mistakes.

The tax collector looked to God and said, "My God, here I am, with my sins and my entire being. Cover me with Your forgiveness, goodness, and mercy." Reflecting on the ancient Greek word "propitiation" (or *hilaskomai*) used in this text and in Hebrews 2:17 when referring to Jesus' atoning sacrifice, we can see that it represents a type of surrender—an act of altogether abandoning oneself to another.

This tax collector did not give himself up to save mankind like Jesus. Instead, he fully surrendered himself to God to seek salvation. It was an offering to be enveloped by the Father, presenting both his light and darkness. Aware of his limitations, he did not justify himself or compare his situation to others. He simply surrendered and asked to be covered and reconciled with God.

In other versions, the tax collector pleaded with God to reconcile him. Reconciled people go beyond mere repentance and forgiveness; they discover communion with the Divine.

There is greatness in the humility of recognizing ourselves as we truly are before God. In this recognition, we can hear Him reveal who we really are to Him, regardless of how troubled our lives may be. By surrendering ourselves in this way, we discover the embrace of a God who lifts us up.

I find it fascinating that right after this reflection, Luke shares the story of the children being lifted into Jesus' arms. God teaches us that whoever humbles himself will be exalted. However, when someone gives themselves completely into the arms of the Father, they do not do it to be lifted up or to be displayed as examples for others to follow. Instead, they realize that there is no greater honor than being embraced by the Father.

When God looks at me, recognizes me, and embraces me, that is what truly matters. While being exalted is good, being embraced by God is everything.

God, we want to surrender ourselves to you as this man did. God, cover us with Your embrace.