Saturday Prayer: The Challenge of Forgiveness - Self
God, you are the one who removes my sins as far as the east is from the west, who chooses not to remember my failures, who looks at me and sees only beloved child. Your mercy toward me is new every morning, but mine toward myself runs out before lunch.I've been my own harshest critic today
God, you are the one who removes my sins as far as the east is from the west, who chooses not to remember my failures, who looks at me and sees only beloved child. Your mercy toward me is new every morning, but mine toward myself runs out before lunch.
I've been my own harshest critic today, rehearsing past mistakes like a broken record, punishing myself for things you've already forgiven. I extend grace to others but withhold it from myself, believing somehow that my self-condemnation honors your holiness. I've been stuck in shame about things you've already washed clean. Thank you for loving me better than I love myself, for seeing potential where I see only failure, for your grace that's bigger than my biggest regrets.
Teach me to receive your forgiveness fully, not just intellectually but in the depths of my heart. Help me speak to myself with the same kindness you show me, to see myself through your eyes of love. When shame tries to drag me backward, remind me that I'm moving forward in your grace. Tonight, I choose to forgive myself as you have forgiven me. Your mercy covers everything, including my mistakes.
