You have plenty of reasons to be confident. But sometimes, confidence can turn into overconfidence, which can easily become pride. So what do you do when you know you’ve got a pride problem but don’t know what to do next? Glad you asked.
Below, you’ll find a handful of example prayers you can use to grow in humility and escape unhealthy pride.
The Symptoms of Pride
Pride distorts our view of ourselves and others. When we feel prideful, we let qualities, abilities, or objects define our worth and the worth of others. Maybe we feel like we work harder than anyone else, so we look down on the people we label as “lazy.” Or we might take too much pride in our education level and dismiss the views of people we label as unintelligent.
Income, job title, spiritual habits, age, home, car, or appearance can all be potential sources of pride. But no matter what our source of unhealthy pride might be, they all tell the same lies. They tell us that we’re better, smarter, more worthy, or more holy than other people.
Pride Can Be Addictive
Pride is hard to break because it feels good. We all want validation, to feel successful, and to believe that our life has meaning.
- Pride tells us we’re winning at life and others are losing.
- Pride tells us we’re special and everyone else is ordinary.
- Pride tells us we’re smart, and everyone else is ignorant.
- Pride tells us we’re right and everyone else is wrong.
But it’s not reality. Instead, pride is only a mirage, showing us an imaginary version of what we want. And sooner or later, we realize that pride has been lying to us, distorting our view of others, and getting in the way of meaningful relationships.
How do we overcome pride? We ask God for help, and we follow Jesus’ example.
Clothe Yourself in Humility
Peter, an author of the New Testament, says to “clothe” ourselves in humility (1 Peter 5:5). What does this mean?
It means that humility is an intentional choice. Just like how you choose what you’re going to wear each day, choosing to “clothe yourself” in humility is a daily decision.
Jesus’ Humble Example
If anyone had an excuse to be prideful, it was Jesus. He’s God, the creator and ruler of the universe, worthy of respect, honor, and worship. Yet, while on earth, Jesus refused to seek out personal honor, making Him the ultimate example of humility.
He presented Himself as a servant, here to bless, heal, and care for the world. Jesus consistently put others’ needs above His own and wasn’t ashamed to spend time with people that society rejected. He spent time and became friends with people of differing beliefs, social classes, income levels, and levels of influence.
Then, He laid His own life down for the good of the world, creating a path for anyone to find forgiveness, salvation, and new life.
Did Jesus Ask for Help?
Jesus also modeled humility in how He asked for and accepted help. As the Son of God, He could have provided for Himself whenever He wanted anything, but He still welcomed the help of others.
Luke 8:1-3 tells us that Mary, Joanna, and Susanna provided for Jesus and the disciples during their ministry. And after rising from the dead, Jesus asked the disciples to spread His message across the whole world. Many of these disciples had betrayed Him at some point, yet He still chose to trust them and asked them to take on this mission.
Jesus didn’t need anyone’s help, but He allowed Himself to be helped. Why? One reason is that asking for help is one of the best ways to build meaningful relationships. We were made to depend on others. Pride tells us we can do everything ourselves, but Jesus shows us that even the most capable people are wise to ask for help.
Following Jesus Into Humility
How do we “clothe ourselves” in humility? First, we ask God for help through prayer. Then, we follow Jesus’ example of putting others’ needs above our own. We remember that God made us all in His image, meaning everyone is worthy of equal dignity and respect.
Finally, we follow Jesus’ example of asking for and accepting help. No one can go through life alone. Sure, you’re super capable, but even Jesus received help in His ministry. So, take the uncomfortable step of trusting others.
5 Prayers for Humility
Humility is hard, that’s why it’s helpful to consistently ask God to help you fight pride and live with humility. Use these five example prayers to get started.
1. A Prayer for Loving Others
Dear God, You inspire me to be humble, gentle, and patient every single day. Please teach me how to love others the way You do and to offer grace to those around me. When I’m tempted to feel prideful, please help me remember Jesus’ example of humility. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. A Prayer for Putting Others First
Heavenly Father, Your Son showed me exactly what true humility looks like. He gave up His life to save us. His humble sacrifice made a way for me to experience eternal life. Today, please replace my pride with humility. Please change the way I think and act, and teach me to put others first in a healthy, God-honoring way. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. A Prayer for a Changed Perspective
Dear God, You are the perfect example of true humility. Thank You for Your kindness and grace toward me. Please show me how to have the same humble attitude toward others as You’ve had toward me. Teach me to love people unconditionally and sacrificially and for their good. In Jesus’ name, amen.
4. A Prayer for Humility
Heavenly Father, You’ve shown me what true humility looks like. Help me to follow Your example of sacrificial love. Please help me consider others before myself every day. Please remind me of my worth and the worth of others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
5. A Prayer to Be Less Selfish
Dear God, please show me how to love people like You have loved me. When I’m selfish, make me humble. Make me eager to serve the people I meet. Transform my heart, so I’ll treat everyone with humility. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Don’t Let Arrogance Win
Humility is hard, but it’s worth it. When we clothe ourselves in humility, we gain a better view of ourselves and others. Humility helps us recognize that possessions, titles, and looks don’t determine our worth or the worth of others. Humility helps us imitate Jesus, the best example of how to be human, allowing us to make a lasting, loving difference every day.