Gestures of Prayer

Today’s Gospel (Lk 18:9-14) presents us 2 men praying: a self-righteous Pharisee: Lord, I thank you because I am not like the rest of humanity, especially this publican; and a repentant publican: Lord, be merciful to me because I am a sinner.

In the end, Jesus said that it is the tax collector who was justified

From this text, we could reflect on 3 gestures of prayer (which could stand for 3 attitudes of prayer) – (1) looking up to God with empty hands raised (praise of God); (2) bowed in humility, beating our breast (humility); and (3) standing side by side each other (solidarity)

Prayer is looking up to God and raising open, empty hands (raising our hearts to God, not raising our heads in pride) – PANAGDAYAW. Prayer is praise, thanksgiving and acknowledgment of God’s goodness, not praise and acknowledgment of one’s goodness and achievements.

The Pharisee was not praying to God; he was praying to himself. He was praising himself and indirectly claiming on God – I am good, I should be rewarded. Prayer is not proud.

Do we claim on God? Do we think God is indebted to us?

Prayer is bowing in humility and beating our breast in contrition (not pointing an accusing finger on others) – PANAGPAKUMBABA. Prayer is seeing ourselves beside God's infinite goodness, recognizing our limitations and trusting in his mercy.

The Pharisee compared himself to the tax collector – he looked down on the tax collector.

Beside God, there is no comparison possible – we see our limitations, our weaknesses, our sinfulness, and no response is more apt but humbly seeking his mercy.

When we sin we do not only transgress a law. We wound relationships. That is why, we all need healing and reconciliation.

Do we recognize our own sinfulness? When was the last time we came to confession? Do we look down on others?

Prayer is standing side by side with others in prayer (not isolating ourselves from others) – PANAKIPAGMAYMAYSA.

Prayer builds community.

We stand side by side each other because we pray to one God. We are children of one Father. We are brothers and sisters.

We do not set ourselves apart from others in self-righteousness and pride. Instead, we recognize that we all need God, and we need each other.

Prayer leads to respect of others. Prayer leads to love. Prayer leads to compassion. Prayer leads to service.

PRAYER is PANAGDAYAW, PANAGPAKUMBABA and PANAKIPAGMAYMAYSA.

The humble man’s prayer pierces the clouds. The Lord will not be slow in coming to his aid. (Sir 35:17)