the publican's prayer

Luke 18:10-16

Old habits die hard...
And my will power just won't suffice.
On the sinners list my name was scribed.
A sinner by birth but a saint by choice.
I have prayed a mighty long prayer.
In it my weaknesses exposed.
But like a sepulcher with dead man's bones.
So was my heart within my body.
A pharisaical being .
Then a still small voice said to me.
It's time to recite the publican's prayer.
"Lord be merciful to me, a sinner," I began...