grounded

Opening Prayer: Apart from you, O Lord, I am nothing.  With you, I am everything.  Help me to never forget that. 

Scripture: Psalm 131:1-3

Journal: What do the words of this ancient prayer stir up within you?

Reflection: Stay low to the ground.  Don’t try to look like you’ve got it all together.  Don’t think more highly of yourself than you ought.  Don’t spend your life trying to get people to believe that you’re awesome.  Don’t overestimate your importance and necessity in the grand scheme of things.  If you live your life according to this ancient prayer (Psalm 131:1-3), it will produce humility and a sense of grounded-ness, which will enable you to still and quiet your soul so that you will be able to hear the quietest whispers and sense the slightest movement of the Spirit within you.  That’s the life God wants for you.

In the words of Henri Nouwen: “He who thinks he is finished is finished.  Those who think they have arrived have lost their way.  Those who think they have reached their goal, have missed it.  Those who think they are saints, are demons.” 

Prayer

Closing Prayer: Keep me grounded in you, Lord Jesus.  Keep me from climbing, posturing, and jockeying.  For your way is the downward way.  Give me the strength and the grace and the courage to go there.  Amen.