Tuesday Prayer: Wrestling with Pride

Jesus, you are the one who humbled yourself, taking the form of a servant though you deserved every throne. You showed us that true greatness comes through washing feet, not demanding applause. Your life was the perfect picture of strength made gentle.

Pride snuck into my heart today, making me feel superior when I should have felt grateful. I took credit for gifts you gave me, looked down on struggles I've never faced, acted like my successes were self-made. I've been building my identity on being better than others instead of being loved by you. Thank you for your patience with my arrogance, for humbling me gently instead of harshly, for loving me enough to not leave me in my pride.

Make me humble like you were humble - secure enough in your love that I don't need to prove myself to anyone. Help me remember that everything I have is grace, every breath is gift. When pride tries to make me feel big, remind me how small I am in the best possible way. Tonight, I choose the low place, the servant's heart, the joy of making others great. Your love is the only applause I need.