A Prayer About The Image Of God

When I wonder how I am like my Creator

BLESSED CREATOR,

I hear much about the environment and taking care of the earth. I’m all for that. I also hear about not being cruel to animals and endangered species, and I agree with many of those positions, too. But I know that human beings stand at the pinnacle of your creation. After creating the world and all the other living creatures, in a special act you made the first man and woman in your image. Then you gave them responsibility and authority to care for everything else. People are special, unique—not just more-advanced animals. Theologians debate what being created in your image means—having a spiritual nature, moral sensitivity, ability to reason and speak, capacity for making free choices, the ability to be artistic, or something else? Whatever the answer, we are different, unique, and valued. Thank you, Lord, for creating me in your image and for the awesome privilege of knowing you and communicating with you. Help me remember that all other people, everywhere, are also your special creations and I should treat them with respect and value life.

If anyone takes a human life, that person’s life will also be taken by human hands. For God made human beings in his own image. Genesis 9:6