A selfish prayer: "In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, the self-sufficient prayer, God, I thank Thee that I am not as the rest of men, stood out in sharp contrast to the plea, "Be merciful to me the sinner."----The Desire of Ages, page 495.
They are boastful, and pray and talk in a self-righteous manner, exalting themselves, recounting their good deed, and, like the Pharisee, virtually thanking God that they are not as other men." ---Testimonies, vol. 1, page 416.
"The Pharisee's boastful, self righteous prayer showed that his heart was closed against the influence of the Holy Spirit.. . . .He felt no need, and he received nothing."----Steps to Christ, page 31,
The hope of winning commendation: "The Pharisee goes up to the temple to worship, not because he feels that he is a sinner in need of pardon, but because he thinks himself righteous and hopes to win commendation. His worship he regards as an act of merit that will recommend him to God.. . . .And he Is full of self praise. He looks it, he walks it, he prays it."---Christ Object Lessons, page 150
