Prayer to know you're loved

Lord, I don't always believe you actually like me. Love me, sure, because you have to. But delight in me?

Your word says you rejoice over me with singing. That's hard to picture, but I'd like to try.

Help me start this day knowing I'm wanted, not just tolerated. Let that be the first thing I believe this morning.

I pray for friends who are hard on themselves, who only hear the critic in their heads. Let them hear your voice instead, warm and glad and proud of them.

Help me treat myself with the same kindness I'd show a friend.

And let me walk into today not trying to earn love, but already full of it. Amen.