"I have seen these people,” the Lord said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people” (Exodus 32:9). That’s not a compliment. Pride keeps us from hearing what God is saying. Pride makes our necks stiff. O Lord, break down the stiff-necked spirit within us. Break us, soften us, cleanse us, renew us. Make us ready to hear your Word. Amen.