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SELECTIVE INNOCENCE

“God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector,” This an example of a useless prayer from the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. It is ugly to face, but even the most sincere person of faith will at some point or another consider themselves as more innocent than others. It usually sounds something like: “I may sin at times, but I would never do THAT!” How different is this from the prayer of the Pharisee? We must never pray in such an unfitting manner to the Holy One. Before Him, no earthly being can be justified by his own works. By making comparisons with anyone other than The Perfect One we reveal we have not progressed as far as we think. Merciful LORD, lead me in the way of humility and contrition. Deliver me from limiting Your divine work in me by unholy comparisons to others. I cast myself into the depths of Your limitless grace. 

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