Nothing beats simplicity in prayer. Many people recite prayers according to the traditions of their religion, while a few humbly pray prayers. The gospel records, "Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican." The Pharisee made a public display of his self-righteousness before God, while the publican, "standing afar off, would not lift so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner." (Luke 18:10-14).