Philippians 2:1-11 (NIV):
1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Morning Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we begin this new day, we gather in your presence, seeking your guidance and strength. We thank you for the encouragement we receive from being united with Christ and the comfort we find in your boundless love. May your Holy Spirit dwell among us, filling our hearts with tenderness and compassion for one another.
Lord, we strive to make your joy complete by being like-minded, displaying the same love and unity of spirit. Help us to set aside selfish ambitions and vain conceit, replacing them with humility and a genuine concern for others. Teach us to value others above ourselves, looking not only to our own interests but also to the needs and desires of those around us.
In our relationships with one another, may we imitate the mindset of Christ Jesus. Though he was God in nature, he humbled himself and took on the form of a servant, entering into our humanity. He exemplified obedience, even to the point of death on the cross. We stand in awe of his selfless sacrifice, which opened the way for our salvation.
Lord, we recognize that you have exalted Jesus to the highest place, granting him a name above every name. We confess that every knee should bow and every tongue should acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Help us to honor and proclaim his name in all that we do.
As we step into this new day, grant us the strength and wisdom to live out the teachings of your Word. Guide our thoughts, words, and actions, that they may reflect your love and bring glory to your name. Equip us to be instruments of peace, grace, and mercy in a world that so desperately needs your touch.
We offer this prayer in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen.