This morning I’m starting a new series, The End of Me. One of the verses I will talk about today is Matthew 5:5: God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. The following is a prayer for humility found in Prayer’s from The Water’s Edge. I hope you find it helpful as you reflect and pray this week.
Dear God,
I am too influenced by what others think of me.
I am tired of pretending to be someone I’m not.
I spend too much time and energy managing my image—that I’m nicer, smarter, richer, more balanced, healthier, and more spiritually alive than I actually am.
Stop me from promoting and publicizing myself.
I don’t want to be discouraged by criticism.
I don’t want to be prideful when applause comes my way.
Teach me the whys and hows of having a humble mind.
Soften my heart. Enlarge my heart. Make my heart humble.
Give me the humility that admits my mistakes and welcomes guidance and realizes my vulnerability and recognizes my need for You.
Let me experience Your forgiveness and favor through humility.
Save me from the desire of being approved.
Rescue me from the fear of being forgotten.
Allow my thoughts, words, and actions to build-up rather than tear-down.
Teach me not to be judgmental, but to see the best in others.
May humility form life-giving habits in me:
That I empathize rather than criticize.
That I serve others rather than attempt to satisfy myself.
May my developing humility be a blessing to others.
You resist the proud and give grace to the humble. Re-create me and refine me.
Remove pride and restore humility.
Amen.
Beauty without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferocity,
and all the virtues of Man without his Vices.
