But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Sam. 16:7
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Eph. 1:18-19
Heavenly Father, your words to Samuel are so convicting. No matter the health of our natural eyes, there’s an ophthalmological corrective than can only take place as the gospel does its work on the eyes of our hearts. Even if we see with 20/15 or 20/10 vision, if we only focus on the “outward appearance” of people and places, things and events, we’re still not seeing as you intend.
So, open the eyes of our hearts, Father; first and foremost, so we may see Jesus more clearly, and more of Jesus. For the better we see Jesus, the more we’ll look at everything from the perspective of your heart and eternity. Heal our spiritual astigmatism, short-sightedness, and cataracts.
Help us see people with gospel eyes. When we only look at people through the distortions of our fallen hearts, we miss so much. Help us see your image in everybody—their dignity and design, their beauty and their brokenness. Forgive us for looking at people primarily in terms of how they might benefit or harm us. Help us see what you see in our co-workers, family members, friends, and strangers.
Help us view creation with gospel eyes. Father, don’t let us look at oceans and mountains, sunrises and sunsets, or flora and fauna in the same old ways. Fill our hearts with childlike awe and deep worship, as we behold your majesty in the things you have made. Forgive us for living more like consumers of creation, rather than stewards of it.
