Read 1 John 2:16; Psalm 75:5; Proverbs 8:13, 29:23; 2 Corinthians 5:12

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. (1 John 2:16) 

Now, our Father, in the simple, plain terms of sinners, we thank You for using for your glory those of us who are given to ugly pride and controlling dominance. We also thank You for finding ways to reduce our pride, either through Your Word or through our experiences. I thank You that we can still be who we are while we are engaged in exalting Christ and bringing ourselves in line with Your desires for our lives.

As You rip from our hearts the self-satisfaction that we would love to cling to, Father, and, as we bleed within, remind us that nothing we surrender goes unrewarded. Remind us that as You reduce us and crush us, You make us anew. You help us point our lives to the Saviour. Give us satisfaction in the roles You have placed us, and help us not to worry about being in some place of authority. Ultimately, exalt the name of Christ in our lives. At the same time, use Your Word and Your Spirit to humble us, enabling us to see our pride for what it is.

We praise You for Your work through Jesus. Amen.

Excerpted from The Prayers of Charles R. Swindoll, Volume 2, Copyright 2010 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.