Today’s Reflection
What is the spiritual equivalent of good dirt? Answer: humility. Just as trees wither and die without good soil, our soul will not grow without humility. With that soil in place, roots can form in the earth, and as they grow deep and strong, the tree moves out of the ground and toward the light.
—Christopher Maricle, Deeply Rooted: Knowing Self, Growing in God (Upper Room Books, 2016)
Today’s Question
What spiritual practices help cultivate the good dirt of humility in your life? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
“Some fell into good soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold.” As he said this, he called out, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!”
—Luke 8:8 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
God, give me the humility to know that I am a growing work in progress and the grace and understanding to see the growth in those around me.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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3 Comments
I love this thought – what a perfect answer…humility. Yes, to humble myself before Him, inviting Him to search me, cleanse me, mold me, transform me. Because I cannot, my vision is imperfect, my desires lack holiness, my love imperfect. Have Thine Own way, Lord – have Thine Own way. The practice of coming before Him, singing to Him this old, treasured hymn, and being still in His presence.
Dad and I were able to play golf yesterday and somehow avoided the rain. It was pouring buckets when I got up, but we remained dry the entire round. Side note – I played the best round of my life – pretty enjoyable to play such good golf. Hopefully dad wakes up this morning with good movement in his neck.
Father – may David’s body find the right balance of vitamins and minerals and may it respond well. We thank You for the strides he has made and trust You for continued progress, in Your time.
I grow in humility each time I read the words of the fellow UR commenters. I am reminded that my faith journey is in its infancy compared to the others on this site. I kneel at your feet and humbly absorb your words. I drink from the fountains of your wisdom and learn from your examples of Christian service. Your insights are the fertilizer that promote my own spiritual roots to grow deep.
Prayers for Jill and Larry, may Larry experience no repercusions in his neck from yesterday’s golf game. Praise that he and Jill are improving their golf games together.
Prayers for Robert and his family. Today’s Devotional was written by a retired South Korean math professor. I thought of you and your own teaching history in South Korea and your continued fondness for the food and culture.
Prayers for Ally and David, may Ally find her new position rewarding and less an obstacle in her care of David. Prayers for David’s continued health struggles. I have trouble with my sodium and potassium levels on an ongoing basis. I was hospitalized once because my electrolytes were so out of sorts that I lost consciousness. It is good that David’s doctor is so thorough.
Prayers for April and her continued beautiful words that paint such vivid pictures of her surroundings.
Prayers for Lou and her youngest, may they see the divine in one another and pracice compassionate listening.
H gave the exterminator quite a fight, I was so embarrased. I apologized profusely after h agreed to the needed home repairs and their cost. Each day I wonder what new atrocity awaits from h.
Prayers, thank you and stay healthy dear UR one and all
My first reaction to today’s question was I had no idea what to say or write. I do know that the more I learn the more I know how little I know. I too appreciate the comments of others who in my view know far more than me. Your insights help greatly.
Both Jill and Larry are having some grand times on the golf course, what a joy! Thankful for that.
Hope too that Larry’s neck is not causing pain.
Julie, I will check today’s Upper Room devotional. I can’t explain why Korea is so interestiing, fascinatioin for me. That was true before I met Soo Ok. Are there aspects I don’t understand, appreciate, agree with, yes, of course, but that’s true of America, and my European roots as well. In the months before I finished army training, I prayed that god would send me where God wanted me to go. I expected Vietnam, possibly Germany, and was sent to Korea. It was one of the biggest life changing events of my life. I most certainly came closer in my relationship with God through the Korean churches I attended.
Prayers for you and Megan, your health, sense of well-being, and safety. Am thankful that needed repairs will take place. Jesus asks us to see Him in everyone, In your case that is a very difficult task, perhaps the
agreement to do the repairs is a glimpse.
Prayers too for Ally and David, April, Lou and her youngest. God knows your needs, concerns, joys, and thanksgiving, may they be fulfilled. Thank You, Lord!
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