Our heavenly Father, we recognize the soul-destroying consequences of pride from our reading today.  So let us offer a prayer for humility, asking for you to search our hearts and reveal to us any strain of pride, of self, of an arrogant spirit or a selfish attitude.  As Christ surrendered all interest in himself to humbly endure the cross for our eternal good, not his own, we ask you to give us willing hearts and a sincere desire to put others first, to surrender our interest for the good and service of our neighbors, all to your glory.  By such a spirit and attitude of humility, Father, we then pray that you would find us righteous in your eyes, not for show to others or for our glory, but to please you and to praise you for your faithfulness to us.  Guard our hearts and minds, we pray that our lifestyle will be known before others as Christ-centered and fragrant from your presence abiding within us, characterized by humility and gratitude for the grace and salvation that you made available to us.  Thank you, Lord!  Amen.