Wednesday August 9, 2023

Today is Wednesday, August 9 and we are studying what the Bible says about humility.

I begin each day focusing on the most important relationship in my life, my relationship with God. I pause to center myself in his loving presence. I breathe in the blessings of contentment, joy and peace that he provides.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, in the morning I seek you. I set aside the upcoming day’s agenda and focus myself completely – body, mind and soul on you. Teach me to listen for your wisdom and adhere to your guidance as I travel today’s pilgrim journey. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s goodness and praise him with the words of Psalm 149.

Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds. Psalm 149:3-5

Pause and Pray

Mary and her cousin Elizabeth are both expecting a child. Mary, pregnant with the Son of God, Jesus the Messiah, travels to a town in the hill country of Judea to visit Elizabeth. When she greets Elizabeth the baby leaps in her womb and she is overcome with the Holy Spirit. At this first encounter between Elizabeth’s baby (who grew to be John the Baptist) and Mary’s baby (who grew to be Jesus), Mary breaks out in song. This song is called The Magnificat. The song frames the essential ministry of Jesus Christ and celebrates the priorities of God’s kingdom.

And Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.” Luke 1:46-53

The kingdom of God sets the kingdom of the world on its ear. It is an upside-down kingdom – where what is exalted is humbled and what is humbled is exalted. The proud are scattered. Mighty rulers are brought down. The rich are sent away empty. In a great reversal, a humble young peasant girl named Mary is blessed beyond measure and remembered for generations. The hungry are fed good food and the humble poor are lifted up. This is the kind of God we have. This is the kingdom of God.

Ask: Do I seek to live my whole life in the kingdom of God? Do I practice “kingdom living”?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, holy is your name. I sing the song of Mary this morning, glorify your name and rejoice in my salvation. Yes, you have done great things for me. You have extended me boundless mercy. Today I lift up those who are hungry, humble and poor. Bless them, supply their needs and fill them with your love. Bring down those who are arrogant, prideful and selfish and lift up those who turn to you in need. I read the words from Luke again and listen for the message you have for me.

And Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.” Luke 1:46-53

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I consider the emotions this passage evokes for me. Do I feel energy, optimism and hope? Or perhaps I feel sorrow, guilt or regret. I consider whether I see myself as one who is proud or humble, mighty or lowly, ruler or servant, empty or full, hungry or satisfied. Perhaps God wants to remind me of the needs of the hungry poor around me. Maybe God wants me to exhibit a heart of compassion, serving others with love. Perhaps God wants me to gain a heart for those who are lost. Maybe God wants me to put the needs of others before my own needs. Whatever God is speaking to me today, I endeavor to listen.

Pause and Pray

Come, Lord Jesus, open my eyes to the needs of those around me. Open my ears to the cries of the ones who are hurting. Open my heart to love the least. Open my arms to welcome the lost. Open my hands to give generously and share what I have. Amen.

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8

I leave this time of prayer filled with the love of Christ, I go to love others and serve them in his name.

Amen