All who humble themselves will be exalted...

Matthew 23:12  ¹²All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

• Light a candle to remember Christ's presence with you.
• Sit in silent meditation 5 to 15 minutes paying attention to the breath.
• Focus on the photograph above.  Spend 3 to 5 minutes opening yourself to this image.
• What word or phrase captures your attention in the image?
• With whom do you most identify in the image?
• What freedom do you feel in the image?
• What tension or bondage do you feel in the image?
• Spend another 3 to 5 minutes opening yourself to the image.  This image was captured 48 hours after the massive earthquake in Turkey.
• What hope do you encounter here?
• Where do you encounter humility?
• Where do you encounter exaltation?
• Who are you in the image?
• Is there a message from God to you?
• Is there a call to action?
• Give thanks to God for this time in humble remembrance and thanksgiving.  Give thanks to God for anything new that has been revealed to you.
• Share as you feel led in the reply box below.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, October 30, 2011,  the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Joshua 3:7-17

Psalm 107: 1-7, 33-37

I Thessalonians: 2:9-13

Matthew 23:1-12

If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author.

Permission to use in not-for-profit settings The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD