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Philippians 2:8
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

When we pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, we put forth a risky offering. We are asking that God’s perfect will be worked through our lives. We are placing ourselves in submission to that perfect will. For Jesus, that meant death—even death on a cross! What will that prayer mean for us? I don’t know what it will mean for you, but here are some things it could mean.

• Staying in a marriage and making it work even when everything inside you wants to call it quits.
• Foregoing a promotion and another move because of its negative impact on your family.
• Cutting back on recreational activities to spend more time at home.
• Deciding to pass on your dream home in order to give more instead of spending more.
• Down-size for spiritual reasons.
• Spending money on a short-term mission trip instead of a cruise.
• Using your gifts to serve the body of Christ.

Jesus humbled himself in obedience. What will it mean for us to humble ourselves before God? 

Father, move us from lip service and tradition learned by rote to setting apart Christ in our hearts as Lord. Help us pray risky prayers of humility and obedience. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.