The culture of New Orleans is certainly unique, and the city has pride of place among America because of its distinctive qualities. But that recognition leads many to pride. Moreover, there is pride in where you live in the city and in how long you’ve been here. There’s pride in your income, in what car you drive, and in what type of house you own. There’s pride about whether or not you’re authentic enough, and about what that might mean.
PRAYER: Father, help us to celebrate your goodness to us and the wonderful expressions of human flourishing that we find here in our great city. But Lord, we confess that these wonderful things have incited an unhealthy pride in us. Father, humble us before your face and grant us repentance from our pride.