See People the Way Jesus Sees Them

Father, I pray that the eyes of my heart may be enlightened in order that I may know the hope to which you have called me, the riches of your glorious inheritance in your holy people. Father, your intent was that now, through the church, your manifold wisdom should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to your eternal purpose that you accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, open my eyes to see the many sides of your wisdom as it is manifested in the numerous ethnicities, cultures, and colors of your people. Help me to see that the greatest riches of this earth are found in people from various contexts, experiences and expressions. Remove any lens over my eyes that darken the image of God manifested in those who look, think, act, and worship differently than me.  Jesus, help me to see your image in everyone one I meet.  

In this hour Jesus, you have ordained the Church to be a light in darkness. Tune my ears to hear your wisdom. Cause me to feel your heart. I desire to experience the divine riches you have hidden in every nation, tribe, and tongue. I pray that you would help me to see people the way you see them so that I may love them the way you love them.

Jesus, as you were moved with compassion to weep with Mary and Martha, move me with compassion to mourn with those who mourn. Let me be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to be angry. Help me esteem others more highly than myself. Teach me to seek to understand before seeking to be understood.  Give me eyes to see and ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church and what people are saying to me.

Finally, Father I pray that you pour out your Spirit upon me that I may be bold and courageous.  Help me to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly before you, God.  Jesus, as you reconcile all things, I pray you use me to help reconcile the deepest divisions in my community and our nation. Let your Kingdom come, let your will be done.  In Jesus, name. Amen.

(Eph. 1:18, 3:10-11; Jas. 1:19; Phil. 2:3; Micah 6:8)

–Corey Lee is a husband, father of four, pastor, and movement leader among America’s historically black colleges and universities. He seeks to see unity in the church across denominations, generations, and cultures.

This prayer is from Make Us One: A 31-Day Prayer Journey Toward Racial Healing (PrayerShop). Make Us One will be available in early October. It is designed for individuals to pray through, but is especially effective for small groups, prayer groups and congregations to pray through at the same time.