praying effectively: Be humble (Matt.5:3-5, Lk.14:8-11, John 15:20)

(Matthew 5:3-5)  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth."

(Luke 6:20)  And turning His gaze toward His disciples, He began to say, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

(Luke 14:8-11)  “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him, 9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then in disgrace you proceed to occupy the last place. 10 But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

(John 15:20)  Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also."

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that we are sympathetic (Mt.5:4)
- that we are gentle (Mt.5:5)
- that we are humble (Mt.5:3, Lk.6:20)
- that we do not assume the place of honor (Lk.14:8)
- that we remember Jesus is greater than us and was persecuted, so we should not be surprised if and when we are persecuted (Jn.15:20)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that You - the King of kings and Lord of lords - humbled Yourself... by leaving the comforts of heaven to born in a stable trough, to be raised by a poor family, to be persecuted, and to die on the cross for all sins!  And still - You love the everyone - and desire that everyone come to You for salvation, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life.

Guide us in Your strength and love to be gentle, sympathetic and humble!  Give us a servant's heart in order to serve You and others - not for our glory - but all for Your glory!  Amen.