lower

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to understand that greatness comes not from ascending, but descending.  Help us to follow you on this downward path to servanthood and humility today.  Amen.

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12

Journal: How do these verses speak to what is going on in your life and heart today?  Where and how are you trying to rise?  Where and how are you humbling yourself?  What is the result of each?

Reflection:

     lower

there is a freedom

in descending

in letting go of

climbing and jockeying

and entering the spaciousness

of becoming nothing

for when we are able

to reach these misty lowlands

somehow everything

we most deeply long for

becomes a possibility

purity and clarity

fill our vision

and call us beyond ourselves

into a grander narrative

one where i disappears

as we emerges

o take me to that place

lead me to that land

for i will not find it

on my own

i keep trying to rise

when the only way

to arrive at this

glorious destination

is to bow

Prayer

Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive us for all the ways we will try to rise today; for all of the ways we will try to elevate our status.  Help us to remember that the way to greatness in your kingdom is the way of serving.  Amen.