"Truth and the Practice of Humility"

A Prayer to Activate our Faith

We find Truth in Jesus.

Being found in human form,

            He emptied himself of all but love.

Like him, we seek to lift people up,

            assuming a posture of servanthood among us all.

We pray that our practice of humility

helps to break down barriers of human hostility.

 

We find Joy in Jesus.

He made room for others

            and invited all people into the sacred spaces of love.

Like him, we seek to create safe spaces for others,

            turning enemies into friends.

We pray that our practice of hospitality

            helps build bridges and tears down walls.

 

We find Peace in Jesus.

He embraced a mission of love,

            caring for all and restoring God’s world.

Like him, we seek to partner with God

            in the recovery of God’s vision of shalom.

We pray that our practice of healing

            helps to restore peace with justice everywhere.

 

We find Love in Jesus.

He demonstrated the fullest possible extent

            of the love of God and neighbor.

Like him, we seek to live a life of faith

            working by love leading to holiness.

We pray that our practice of holiness

            helps others to discover their true identity

            as the beloved children of God.

 

We embrace the holistic and all-inclusive vision

            Of God’s restoration of beloved community.  

 

Our scripture today is from Philippians, chapter 2 verses 5-11 from the Common English Bible.

5 Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus: 6 Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit. 7 But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings. When he found himself in the form of a human, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God highly honored him and gave him a name above all names, 10 so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth might bow 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Leader: This is the word of God for a people of God.

All: Thanks be to God.

 

Discussion questions following the sermon

1.What words or images from the scripture reading stand out to you? How have these words or images shaped your understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus? 

2. Have you ever engaged in conversation with someone who was very fixed in his or her attitudes or way of thinking? How did that make you feel? How did you or do you remain in relationship with that person? 

3. Can you think of a recent experience when you intentionally "lifted someone up?"  How did it make you feel about yourself? How did it help you grow?