The Descent

A Brief Word and Prayer

For a season, I’m stepping away from posting here and across my social media platforms.

I don’t have a return date. I’m leaving that in the Lord’s hands rather than setting my own deadline, which is itself part of the point.

The prayer below says what I want to say about why. The logistics are simple: I’ll be away for a while, doing the kind of soul work that can’t be done while also producing content for public consumption (or, at least, I can’t). When the Lord determines the season has ended, I’ll be back.

Until then, thank you for reading. Thank you for the kindness so many of you have shown over the years.

The prayer is the thing. Read it if you’re so inclined.

He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30)

Lord, I come to you today with open and empty hands.
What I’ve been holding, I’m learning to release.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)

I want to be genuinely poor before you. Not performing poverty while managing my own sufficiency, but actually empty, actually dependent.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. (Galatians 2:20)

I want to decrease so that you will increase. I want to die to myself so that Christ may live fully in me and through me.

Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. (John 12:24)

The way up is down. The way to fruitfulness runs through the ground.

Truly, I say to you, whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave. (Matthew 20:26-27)

I want to be least of all so that Christ will be great. I want the last place, trusting you to seat me where you choose.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
(Matthew 5:6)

I am hungry for the bread that does not run out. Satisfy me, Lord,
with nothing less than yourself.

For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3)

Bury me with Christ. And when the time comes, raise me up.

In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.