A Prayer About Appearance

When I’m self-conscious about how I look

DEAR GOD,

I spent a lot of time today trying to look my best—the right clothes and every hair in place. I wanted to project the right image, make a good impression. I know I should take care of myself and that sloppiness is not next to godliness. But at times I think I’m way too concerned about my appearance, almost obsessed. In fact, I can hardly pass my reflection without checking myself out. Am I that insecure, Lord? Maybe I’m just overly influenced by a society that highly prizes physical beauty—perfect hair, skin, physique. Yet that cultural value isn’t new and seems to have navigated the centuries, since you had to remind Samuel not to judge by outward appearance as he was searching for your man to lead Israel. Forgive me, Lord, for misplaced priorities, and help me focus on my inward beauty, my heart.

The LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7