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, early in 2021, we desperately need this word you spoke to Samuel. We need vision correction, and therefore, heart calibration. For we see with our heart-values much more than with our optic nerves.
So, open the eyes of our hearts. First and foremost, show us Jesus more clearly. The more Jesus fills our gaze, the more we’ll look at all things, and everyone, with Gospel-eyes and the perspective of eternity.
Forgive us for “seeing” people primarily in terms of how they enrich or fail, agree with and “get” us. Enable us to see what you see in our family members, friends, neighbors—even those with whom we greatly disagree.
In 2021, help us see (and love) your Kingdom more clearly than any other human government; and never let us confuse the two. We long for the fullness of your Kingdom on earth. We long to see King Jesus break through the clouds, and for him to finish making all things new.
Lastly, help us see suffering (other’s and ours) with Gospel-eyes. Free us to see with the eyes of our Merciful High Priest, think with the mind of our reigning King, and love with hands of our Good Shepherd. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ reigning and loving name.
