In many countries, those who collect taxes on behalf of the state do not enjoy a particularly good reputation! There is the opportunity for fraud and personal gain which has sometimes been used to enable the tax collector to gain favours with the state. Resentment on the part of those who have to pay taxes has also contributed to the low esteem shown in many countries towards tax collectors. When the state in question is a ruthless dictatorship or even a foreign occupying power, the resentment is even greater.

In contrast, the Pharisees, who were the pillars of respectability, were a religious party at the time of Christ who believed that alongside the written law of Moses was an oral law made up of the accumulated teachings and traditions of the Jewish people. They were very concerned with ritual and tradition, with form rather than feelings, out- ward show rather than inward rightness. Jesus was often very critical of their beliefs and practices.

Such people were used by Jesus to illustrate an important principle. The scene is described as follows;

"...He spoke this parable to some who trusted in them- selves that they were righteous, and despised others:

Two men went up to the temple to pray one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself. 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men - extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the fax collector, standing afar off would not so much as raise 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, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:9-14)

By comparison with the tax collector, the Pharisee - a man pf status and authority, respected in society, probably rich and successful - was used by Jesus to portray the foolishness and emptiness of religion without commitment. It was a daring indictment of a class of men held in high esteem, who were very religious but who were also often very pretentious. An outward show without inward dedication. As disciples, we must not fall into the same trap!

But there is far more to it than that - Jesus is teaching us about the kind of disciples that God requires and the true way to approach Him in prayer. Note the attitude of the tax collector; there is a stricken sense of sinfulness, as with downcast eyes he appeals for forgiveness. He knew the need for mercy, he knew that he was selfish and sinful, he knew that he needed forgiveness and he knew that his guilt was removed - 'for he was justified more than the other'.

One fundamental difference between the two men is their realisation of need. Both come to God; both are sinners, but the one knows it, the other does not. His failure arises out of the very holiness of his life - it is so easy to think that once one has come to a knowledge of God's Truth, that salvation is assured, that one has a right to enter into the Kingdom of God. However, there is a vital need to maintain humility - to be constantly aware of ones failures and imperfections - to constantly seek forgiveness - always looking for the mercy of our heavenly Father. We should always remember that the self-exalted are brought low but the humble are blessed.

Prayer is a very important part of our discipleship - it is our access to the Father, it is our link with the divine, it is always accessible, always free! Prayer is talking to God, it is conversation with the Eternal, it is sharing in the dream of the ancients and in the fulfilment of the Divine vision.

The purpose of prayer in this context is not therefore presenting our Father with a shopping list of personal requirements, that would be grotesque, but rather a process of hearing his words, learning His will and seeking to obey. It is an expression of obedience, it is a spoken thought, it is a dedication of self in the Master's service; "Here I am, send me" and "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord." These one-line prayers are simple and direct, saying all that needs to be said but with a minimum of language.

The purpose of prayer is primarily to talk to God in order that we might be changed. It is a concentration of mind and body in order that our attitudes and perspectives might be transformed. Therefore, instead of just seeing things from our own viewpoint, we seek to gain a glimpse of the divine.

God has given us samples of prayer in the Bible - the Lord's Prayer is the ultimate example - find the following Bible passage and read it carefully; Matthew 6:9-15. You may also like to find the following prayers and use them as the basis for your own prayers; Daniel 9:4-19. 1Kings 8:23-53. Psalm 23, 42 and 27.

Prayer requires preparation. We need that careful concentration before we pray, so that the actual words that we use to express our thoughts are a real demonstration of our commitment and dedication to Him.

Prayer can be made at any time and in any place. It is our opportunity to talk to God, to thank Him, to ask for guidance, to express praise and give honour, but above all to re-affirm our dedication to Him, as the words of our Master state on that fateful night immediately before his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane;

"... nevertheless, not what I will but what you will."
(Mark 14:36)