To Esteem Others

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:1-11 NASB1995

God we pray for Your mercy, we are so deeply challenged by Your humility, Your immense love for  Your children, though You are the Creator of this earth and all that dwells on it You were willing to be born into the world. Though You are infinite and eternal, You were willing to enter into a specific time and place and lay down Your life for the good of Your people and Your glory.  Lord Jesus we highly exalt You and praise the name that is above every name, we bow before You and confess the name of Jesus Christ, we pray for the wisdom to be  willing and eager to imitate Your teachings, we pray Holy Spirit for Your discernment and understanding to esteem others more highly than ourselves and count it all joy as we follow You, the King of kings. We pray hope, we pray healing, we pray joy, we pray deliverance, we pray reconciliation, we pray love, we pray rejoicing, we pray salvation, we pray revival, we pray forgiveness in the name of Jesus Christ, amen!