Describe the prayers of the Pharisee and the publican in Jesus’ story.

The Pharisee prayed to himself: he thanked God that he was not like other people, which was a bold-faced lie, made no request because he felt no need, offered no real praise, and simply listed his good deeds and externals, building himself up by beating others down. The tax collector stood some distance away, unwilling even to lift his eyes to heaven, and beat his breast crying, God, be merciful to me, the sinner (Luke 18:11-13). Everything about him said he was defeated, ashamed, and grieved; he focused on his own flaws and asked only for mercy.