Why it Is Good to Be Humble--Nov. 19, 2016

If we humble ourselves, not only will we be exalted,

but we will be more ready to confess our sins

to one another, and pray for one another,

and be healed, and agree to sing

together a new song of praise

in the assembly of the faithful.

And the hearts of parents will turn

toward their children and the hearts

of children to their parents,

and all will be blessed.

God, humble us--

alone it is

so hard.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 122; 149; 100; 63

Mal. 3:13-4:6

James 5:13-20

Luke 18:9-14

           

Selected Verses

Ps. 149:1

Praise the LORD!
Sing to the LORD a new song,
          his praise in the assembly of the faithful. 

Mal. 4:6

[Elijah] will turn the hearts of parents to their children and the hearts of children to their parents, so that I will not come and strike the land with a curse.

James 5:16

Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.  The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. 

Luke 18:1

"…I tell you, [the tax collector] went down to his home justified rather than the [Pharisee]; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."  [Jesus to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt]