Scripture Reading
Luke 18:13-14
"But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
Reflection
The tax collector's prayer is perhaps the purest Lenten prayer: "God, be merciful to me, a sinner." It asks for nothing but mercy, assumes nothing but need. The Pharisee catalogued his virtues; the tax collector knew only his poverty before God. And it was the poor man who went home justified. Lent is the school of that holy poverty — learning to bring nothing but our need before a God who delights to fill it.
Prayer for Today
This is all about making a big deal. Stand up, lay your hands on the birthday person's head or shoulders. Say one of the birthday prayers or scripture blessings below. Then bless the person! You can say, I bless you (or, you are blessed) in the name
of God / in the name of Jesus / in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
of God / in the name of Jesus / in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.