This story comes to us via the famous Buddhist monk and author Thich Nhat Hanh. Finding Our True Home is a translation of the Amitabha Sutra, as well as an accessible commentary and introduction to the Pure Land school of Buddhism.
"Within Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, there are also many different schools each with their own teaching & practice. And within these schools there are various forms of practice. When we learn about the three levels of practice in regard to the Pure Land school of Buddhism we can naturally apply this way of looking to other faiths.
In our community perhaps there are those who hold the belief that the Kingdom of God is only available after we have passed away. If we practice sincerely and do good deeds in this life, then we will reap the benefits sometime in the future after we have died. This is similar to the lowest level of practice in Pure Land Buddhism. Others offer devotional prayers and do good deeds to cultivate their wholesomeness; they are going in the direction of realizing paradise here on earth. This is the middle level of practice. Other members of our congregation realize that the Kingdom of God is a living reality to be experienced right here and now. In fact, they are aware of living every moment firmly established in the Kingdom of God. This is the highest level of practice....
Yet even if we feel we are in the highest level of practice we should not be so sure of ourselves. We should not be caught in the ideas of a higher or a lower path of practice.... Making offerings, chanting the name of the Buddha and holy beings, prayer and meditation are all forms of devotion which help us to cultivate our humility and our constant awareness of dwelling in the Pure Land, of living in the presence of God."