The contemplative takes seriously Jesus’ direction to “take the lowest place” (Lk 14:10). Indeed, as a clear command of Jesus, one might expect all Christians to seek the lower place, but any look at modern society would suggest we have not been very responsive to these words of Jesus. This is even true in our prayer lives, where we most often find ourselves “taking the higher place” in our prayer: deciding what to pray, when to pray, how to pray, for whom to pray. How often we find ourselves audacious enough to assume we know what the world needs, or even what we need! If we refer to God as “all-powerful Father”, we must recognize ourselves as “strong-willed children” who too often think they know better! Contemplative practice is the prayer of the lower place, where we count ourselves blessed simply by being present, and by Presence itself. Rather than taking the high place of the host or even the guest of honor, we find joy in the invitation, happy to be guided in where, who, and how to be. Then, at the right time, in the right way, in a moment of grace, the True Host of this banquet of life will lead us to the exalted place.