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Seeing All Things through Gospel-Eyes

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

Heavenly Father, we are convicted by your words to Samuel. No matter the health of our natural eyes, we need a vision-corrective that requires the gospel and your Spirit. If we only focus on the outward appearance of people and places, things and events, we’re 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, grace, and eternity. Heal our spiritual astigmatism and short-sightedness. Remove the cataracts that have grown over our souls.

     Help us see people through gospel-eyes. When we only look at people through the distortions of our fallen hearts, we miss so much. Help us view everyone as image-bearers of God. May we see their dignity, worth, and goodness. Forgive us for looking at people primarily in terms of how they “bless” or fail, disappoint or harm us. Help us see what you see in our co-workers and family members, friends and strangers.

     Help us view creation through gospel-eyes. Free us to view oceans and mountains, flora and fauna, sunrises and sunsets as declarations of your creativity and majesty. Fill our hearts with childlike wonder and deep worship, as we behold your glory in the things you’ve made. Forgive us for living more like consumers of creation, rather than stewards of it.

     Lastly, help us look at pain and suffering through gospel-eyes. Father, sometimes when we look at the crucibles, crises, and cruel stories of life, we want to run or hide, get angry or fearful, fix or deny. When great need is staring us down, free us to see with the eyes of Jesus, think with the mind of Christ, and love with the hands of your mercy. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ reigning and loving name.

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