The Catechism tells us, “‘Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.’ But when we pray, do we speak from the height of our pride and will, or ‘out of the depths’ of a humble and contrite heart? He who humbles himself will be exalted; humility is the foundation of prayer. Only when we humbly acknowledge that ‘we do not know how to pray as we ought,’ are we ready to receive freely the gift of prayer. ‘Man is a beggar before God'” (CCC 2559).

If we are called to humility in prayer, Micah’s words speak to how we are to “be” in the world. Yes, we carry our prayers with us throughout the day. We are called to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). But notice how Micah addresses us as “mortals.” As “good” people, what is “required” of us in the world? Who are we called to be with each other? After all, Jesus desires to have a “real” relationship with us, and it is this union that is meant to inform all of our other relationships. We care called to “act,” “love,” and “walk”–all physical, real life experiences, imbued with the virtues of justice, mercy, and humility.

And who is at the center of this very being? This mortal experience? God, of course, “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28).