Gospel | Luke 18:9-14 (with Tom Gastil)

Opening Song:
Not in Me by David L. Ward and Eric Schumacher

Lyrics:
No list of sins I have not done
No list of virtues I pursue
No list of those I am not like
Can earn myself a place with You
O God be merciful to me
I am a sinner through and through
My only hope of righteousness
Is not in me but only You

No humble dress no fervent prayer
No lifted hands no tearful song
No recitation of the truth
Can justify a single wrong
My righteousness is Jesus' life
My debt was paid by Jesus' death
My weary load was borne by Him
And He alone can give me rest

No separation from the world
No work I do no gift I give
Can cleanse my conscience cleanse my hands
I cannot cause my soul to live
But Jesus died and rose again
The pow'r of death is overthrown
My God is merciful to me
And merciful in Christ alone

Passage:
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed[a] thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 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!’ 14 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.”

Musical Reflection:
“Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us,” tune by William Bradbury

Reflection Notes:
The tune BRADBURY is named for its composer, a New Englander from the first half of the nineteenth century. The sweet melody for the verses repeats, then is followed by a strong refrain.

Prayer:
Set us free, loving Father, from the bondage of our sins, and in your goodness and mercy give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.