A Prayer for Self-Acceptance

Navigating that tension between who I am and who I want to be

Each week, after I write the main post, a few days later, I send an accompanying prayer related to the topic. I am doing in this in part for me: I always am on the hunt for more written prayers. I use written prayers often in my work to pray for larger groups, but I also love written prayers for my personal piety. Sometimes it is nice when I do not have the words to use someone else’s.

The below prayer is in response to my post on not being a field trip parent.

God, Creator of all, including me,

You made me like this. Sometimes I feel really good about who I am, and sometimes I feel utterly inadequate. Help me to see myself as you see me.

And yet also help me not drift into complacence. Those things that bother me about myself? Some of those things I can address. Those places where I feel itchy? Those are signals for areas where I might grow.

Give me wisdom to discern the difference—between shame that needs healing and conviction that calls for change. Between the still, small voice of your Spirit and the loud, relentless voice of self-doubt.

Remind me that I am always becoming. That grace meets me here, but never leaves me here. That you love me as I am, and you also love me too much to let me stay the same. Amen.