Walk Humbly
Week #8
One of the ways that I make sense of the terrible tragedies of our past, is to focus on the lessons we can learn from them. The massive loss of life on Titanic was a result of a combination of errors and poor judgment. Lifeboats had been removed, radios had been turned off, and emergency flares were mistaken for celebratory fireworks.
Winston Churchill warned, “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Because nobody wanted to repeat the mistakes of Titanic, her tragic story spurred governments to pass new maritime safety laws. These laws require ships to leave their radios turned on 24/7, stock enough lifeboats for every passenger on board, and lead passengers through a mandatory lifeboat drill before embarking.
In a similar way, we can learn from the spiritual experiences of other people who have walked the path ahead of us. These people can serve as guides for the journey, alerting us to possible dangers along the way.
John Wesley, a spiritual leader from the Methodist tradition, encouraged congregations to participate in a yearly worship service during which they reaffirmed the Covenant Prayer.
Wesley’s Covenant Prayer
I am no longer my own, but Thine.
Put me to what Thou wilt, rank me with whom Thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed by Thee or laid aside for Thee,
Exalted for Thee or brought low for Thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things
to Thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.”
Discussion Questions
Opening Question:
What stood out most to you?
Core Question #1:
How do the words of this prayer relate to humility?
Core Question #2:
Which line is the hardest for you to pray? Why?
Core Question #3:
Why do you think John Wesley encouraged his congregations to return to this prayer on a yearly basis?
What value would it have for us to do so?
Core Question #4:
Based on all that we have learned about humility, how could we humbly say this prayer, even if we can’t whole-heartedly pray all of the words?
Concluding Question:
How has your understanding of humility changed based on today’s discussion?