Originally posted by twhitehead
And if the next day the Priest is out helping the poor and the sick etc and the sinner is sinning as usual?
I think Nemesios question was not about your past or even your attitude when praying but whether or not your behavior reflects your claimed beliefs.
Your post almost implies that it is better to go and sin so that you will have something to be ash think he encouraged people to become extra sinful in order to be the most humble when praying.
Here is the passage :
Luke 18:9 And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I get.
13 But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God, be thou merciful to me a sinner.
14 I say unto you, This man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
One was arrogant and boastful and the other was humble and repentent.