Pray: 14 Daily Moments to Quiet Your Mind & Center Your SoulSample

One of our most challenging things to do is to treat others with levelheaded calmness and humility. To not do things out of anger or pride. To think better of others and to be better ourselves. We must be vigilant to not allow personal achievements and accomplishments to inflate our sense of self-superiority. It's so easy to allow pride to influence how we see ourselves and how we view others, but this is not the way God wants us to live. He wants us to live humble, selfless lives that honor Him and encourage other people. Starting today, allow God to use you to be the good you want to see in the world.

Before you begin talking with God, hit pause for a second. Find a safe and secluded spot where you can comfortably settle down. Close your eyes. Breathe in; now breathe out. As you exhale, imagine the tension leaving your body along with that breath. Now, bring your focus to the Word of God.

To think of others as better than yourself can, at times, seem arduous and too difficult. You are, after all, only human. We, as humans, are all susceptible to acting out in anger or to being belligerent when we feel we're being backed into a corner.

As you strive to shift your focus to others more often, remember that you are not alone in this endeavor. God is present, and He is listening to you. Ask God for the ability to love well. The Bible says to ask, and it shall be given to you.

PRAYER

Jesus, even though You are God, You did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, in humility You chose the cross and died on my behalf. Thank You. You are the beginning and the end. The Alpha and the Omega. The first and the last. The author and finisher of our faith. Thank You for who You are. God, You know the thoughts in my mind that are angry and resentful. I miss the mark of loving others well every day. Please forgive me for letting my pain and hurt dictate my actions. God, I surrender that pain to You and ask that You would bring healing. Jesus, thank You that You are faithful even when I'm not. I think of moments when You gave me self-control and grace. Thank You for filling me with Your Spirit in these moments, and I ask that You would do it again and again. Thank You for the gift of grace that is so readily given. Holy Spirit, help me to be humble. Help me treat others with the utmost respect and kindness and put others first. Even when it is not merited, even when things are done to hurt and hinder me, please give me grace and kindness. I know I will fail but Lord, continue strengthening me to this end. Amen.