Practicing Humility

PRACTICING HUMILITY

a prayer to open

Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.

Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true.

I give you thanks, O LORD, with all my heart;

I will sing your praises before the gods.

I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.

I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness;

for your promises are backed

by all the honor of your name.

As soon as I pray, you answer me;

you encourage me by giving me strength.

Every king in all the earth will thank you, LORD,

for all of them will hear your words.

Yes, they will sing about the LORD’s ways,

for the glory of the LORD is very great.

Though the LORD is great, he cares for the humble,

but he keeps his distance from the proud.

Though I am surrounded by troubles,

you will protect me from the anger of my enemies.

You reach out your hand,

and the power of your right hand saves me.

The LORD will work out his plans for my life—

for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever.

Don’t abandon me, for you made me.

Only the humble can give wholehearted thanks to God for whatever provision comes. Only the humble can reserve their worship for him alone when other gods call out to them. Only the humble can bow fully before God in acknowledgment of their need for mercy. Only the humble see their need for his strength and encouragement. Growing in humility begins with giving him thanks for what we have, worshiping him even when we aren’t in the mood, surrendering our hearts piece by piece in acknowledgment of our need for his healing and power, and seeking his direction when we think we know exactly what to do. How might our lives be shaped if we practiced humility moment by moment, day by day?

• Read this passage again slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think that word or phrase speaks to you? What does it say?
• What experience or practice has helped form a spirit of humility in you? What continues to keep you humble?
• Take a few minutes in prayer, remembering that you are in God’s loving presence, and ask him to show you the ways pride persists in your heart. How is he inviting you to respond to whatever he revealed?

Lord, give me a spirit of humility—one that’s quick to give you thanks and praise, acknowledge my dependence upon you, and seek after you in every aspect of my life. Give me eyes that see others as you do and see myself clearly so I don’t elevate myself and my needs above those of others. Thank you for your love and faithfulness. Let me never take your saving grace for granted. Amen.