A Collect to Not Rely On our Own Goodness

Lord Jesus, whose nature is exalted yet humble, keep us from trusting in our own goodness lest we lift ourselves higher than we deserve, but open our eyes to see our need of you and of your forgiveness and mercy, that we might humble ourselves even as you did and so become like our teacher, through you who overcame death for us all in the grace of the Father and Holy Spirit. Amen. “The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’” – Luke 18:11-12