The real you

‘Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.’ (John 1:12)

Jesus came to bring life, and life to the full (John 10:10). Poverty and abuse can stop us from stepping into this. Read this prayer out loud and let the truth soak into you: you are created and you are loved. And, as we journey together this Lent, let us ask God how we can seek freedom for others too.

God of creation,
of the parted seas and the miracle birth,
the empty tomb and risen King,
help me to see myself as part of your story.

Wash away any shame or fear that is holding me back,
declare over me again that I am a new creation in you, Lord.

Show me the areas of my life where I need to prune,
so I can walk in greater freedom with you.

And when life is difficult:
grant me patience, like you did Joseph;
grant me boldness, like you did Rahab;
grant me courage, like you did Ruth;
grant me wisdom, like you did David.

God of my past and my future,
let me never forget that you are working in the present,
help me to see myself in your greater plan.
Show me how I can best serve you with all of me,
as a beloved child of God,
because – yes – that is who I am.
Amen.

Rachael Adams
Rachael is the Editor of Tearfund’s weekly prayer email.

In the image

‘‘So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.’ (Genesis 1:27 New Living Translation)

This is a verse many of us know so well that sometimes we forget to stop in awe at its power, beauty and meaning. We are made in the image of the very same God who flung stars into space, brings meaning from chaos and calls destiny into humanity.

Pause, and breathe it in. The image of our Lord is woven deeply into the fabric of humanity.

Wrapped up in this short verse is the calling to our identity as image-bearers of the King. And the calling to actively look for the image of our King in others.

This is a world-changing truth. How different things would be if we saw past the headlines into the image of God? The climate crisis, modern-day slavery, fast fashion… I dare to believe that if we, humanity, truly lived out this verse – poverty would be over. Injustice would have no place in our world.

So today, let’s proactively look and find the image of God in ourselves and others.

Creator God, we pause in awe. Thank you that we are woven in your image. Help us Lord to see this in ourselves, and in others, every day. Might we live differently in light of this truth. Amen.

Dot Tyler
Dot leads Tearfund’s work with young people across the UK.

Meeting my maker

‘For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.’ (Psalm 139:13-14)

In a world where we can add filters to our photos, share curated, highlight reels of our lives, and present the best version of ourselves to others, this verse reminds me that I cannot hide from our omnipresent Creator. To be honest, that can sometimes be a frightening and uncomfortable thought.

But this verse also delivers a freeing truth: God knows every corner of our hearts and being – even the dark depths we want to keep hidden in shame. He knows us intimately and yet still fully delights in me, and in you!

Since we were so carefully and intentionally created, we each have a valuable role to play, flaws and all, in advancing his kingdom. This encourages me in my day-to-day work here in the Middle East, knowing that every task – whether big or small, seen or unseen, or seemingly insignificant – ultimately contributes to a much bigger purpose, which you are also part of.

Loving God, thank you for this wonderful truth. Help me to invest my whole being in it, so that everything I do will flow from it. Amen.

Jade Beakhouse
Jade works in our Eurasia and North Africa Team and is based in the Middle East.