"Thou...Who Camest into the World to Save Sinners...

...of whom I am the chief."

My mind tells me it's ridiculous for a whole roomful of people to be praying this prayer, let alone millions of us; everyone can't be the worst sinner in the world! Surely human beings aren't all that different from each other; we aren't uniquely evil. Chances are, says my mind, I am not all that much worse than most people.

But it sure feels like I am! It certainly seems that way. My heart disagrees with my mind. I don't see anybody else, not even pagans, failing at so many things, rudimentary, basic things, as I do.

So that's why that prayer is there. Nothing to do with false humility. Everything to do with pouring out to God what's on your heart.

And - another comfort - whoever wrote that prayer understood. The Church understands. How cool is that?