A Prayer About Appearances

A prayer about Appearances - Seeing the heart

HEAVENLY FATHER,

As I looked in the mirror this morning, I saw much that I didn’t like. A few of those issues will be corrected by washing and combing, but some will not. In fact, if I am honest, I usually find something wrong with just about every part of my body: nose, cheekbones, shoulders, stomach, feet, height, weight. And although some of the problems are related to aging, admittedly I have been critical of my physical characteristics for as long as I can remember. I know I should take care of myself and look the best I can, but this is over the top. Why am I so concerned about the outside when I know that what I am like on the inside—faith, character, perspective, personality—is what truly matters? I’m afraid that I have succumbed to the culture’s values and ideas of beauty. Change my heart, Lord. I know that’s what is important to you. Help me to accept how you have created me and to honor you with both body and soul.

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