13. Empty Yourself

Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.

Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity.

And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death — even to death on a cross.

Philippians 2: 5-8

Almighty God, you have called us to be imitators of you. And yet we have become so distracted that we have overlooked your heart. We worry about ourselves and our people. We allow ourselves and our lives to rival God. And yet you came to us anyway. You didn’t exalt yourself, instead you were born in dirt. The dirt you created. The dirt that would one day absorb the blood you shed on the cross, freeing us from the sin that wants to hold on to our hearts and keep us from you. Search our hearts, father, and find the myriad ways that we are pulling ourselves away from you. Empty us completely God, and fill us with your spirit, that we may never be exalted, but choose to glorify you. You humbled yourself to become human, let us humble ourselves to see our broken humanity. Send us as your hands and feet to serve you by serving and loving your people to your incredible glory. Father, don’t let us miss a single one. Amen.