As one approaches the house where the Japanese tea service is offered, the middle gate (naka kuguri) is purposefully small, requiring slight stooping to enter.  This is intended to help those who approach to do so humbly, reverently anticipating the experience.  This is a time of quiet self-awareness and -examination, and an openness to personal growth.

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Likewise, we do well to approach God humbly, reverently, aware of our neediness and of His majesty and power.

“But to this one I will look,
To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.”       Isaiah 66:2  NASB

“If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”                                                                                    2 Chronicles 7:14 NASB

A good place to start in our journey to seek humility would be to fear God appropriately.  For this leads to wisdom, and wisdom teaches us humility.  It opens our eyes to who we really are and who God is, in comparison.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”                        Proverbs 9:10  NIV

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”                                  James 3:13   NIV

O God, help me to voluntarily learn my rightful posture before You, so You do not need to forcefully teach me humility.