MEDITATION:
Written by Richard J. Foster, a contemporary author and founder of Renovare, an interchurch movement committed to the renewal of the church. This is an excerpt from his book “Celebration of Discipline.”
More than any other single way, the grace of humility is worked into our lives through the discipline of Service. Humility is one of those virtues that is never gained by seeking it. The more we pursue it the more distant it becomes. To think we have it is sure evidence that we don’t. Therefore, most of us assume there is nothing we can do to gain this prized Christian virtue, and so we do nothing. But there is something we can do. We do not need to o through life faintly hoping that someday humility may fall upon our heads. Of all the classical spiritual disciplines, service is the most conducive to the growth of humility. When we set out on a consciously chosen course of action that accents the good of others and is, for the most part, a hidden work, a deep change occurs in our spirits…William Law made a lasting impact upon 18th century England with his book, A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, urges that every day should be viewed as a day of humility. And how does he suggest that we do this? By learning to serve others. Law understood that it is the Discipline of service that brings humility into the life. If we want humility, he counsels us to “…condescend to all the weaknesses and infirmities of your fellow creatures, cover their frailties, love their excellencies, encourage their virtues, relieve their wants, rejoice in their properties, compassionate in their distress, receive their friendship, overlook their unkindness, forgive their malice, be a servant of servants, and condescend to do the lowest offices to the lowest of mankind.”
PRAYER:
Written by Carlos Carretto (1920-1988), an Italian religious author of the congregation of the Little Brothers of the Gospel.
O high and most glorious God, enlighten my heart.
Give me unwavering faith, sure hope, and perfect love.
Give me deep humility, wisdom, and knowledge,
that I may keep your commandments. Amen.
MUSIC MEDITATION:
Make Me a Servant. Maranatha Singers. Written by Kelly Willard in 1982.
Pathways Press.com 
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