God –
Be merciful to us.
Forgive us when we trust in our own righteousness and regard others with contempt. Forgive us for prayers that exalt ourselves – for prayers that thank you that we are not like other people.
Be merciful to us.
Teach us to pray like the tax collector – with humility and honesty, with emotion and without regard for exaltation.
Be merciful to us, sinners. Hear our prayer, and wash us in Your righteousness.
Amen and amen.