Confession

Our Father, we confess our pride, thinking too highly of ourselves, thinking we are smart or wise or virtuous of our own doing. We thank You that You revealed Your wisdom in Jesus through the poor and lowly. Grant us humility of mind, and a heart that rests solely in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Amen.   

Discipline as Nurture

If we belong to Jesus, we should expect to be disciplined by Him. This reveals that we are His children. If we are not disciplined, then we do not belong to Him.

         This is no less true of our own children. An important part of their nurture is discipline. By discipline, I do not mean merely spanking them or punishing them. That is a necessary part of raising children, to be sure, at least the spanking part, but discipline has a much broader application. Nearly all of our teaching of our kids is some form of discipline. We discipline the mind as well as the body. This is the fruit of the Spirit called self-control. This is the foundation stone of government, self-government.

         By discipline I mean living in, and raising our children in, a culture where they learn to be disciplined by the liturgies of life. This should affect every area of our lives, from worship to work to education. We start by learning the discipline of confession and repentance. This creates a humble learner which is the only way one can truly learn.

Praise

Our Father, just as Mary did, our souls magnify You, O Lord. Our spirits rejoice in God our Savior. You have regarded the low estate of Your servants. In Christ Jesus, You have greatly blessed us. You are mighty and have done great things for us. Holy is Your name. Your mercy is on those who fear You from generation to generation. You have shown strength with Your arm and have scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. You have put down the mighty form their seats and exalted them of low degree. You have filled the hungry with good things and sent away the rich empty. You have helped Your people, remembering Your mercy to us, as You spoke to our Father Abraham concerning his seed, the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we trust, now and forever. Amen.