Contemplative Prayer Practice: Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes
Imagine for a moment, seeing yourself as God sees you—not through the lens of human flaws and judgments, but as cherished, deeply beloved, and embraced in your full humanity. The gentle invitation of “Let God be God and you be you” is a call to embrace your true self while resting in God’s loving presence. This idea finds expression through a prayer practice rooted in the Ignatian tradition, allowing you to experience God's perspective on your life, your journey, and your worth.
I first encountered this practice during a retreat inspired by St. Ignatius of Loyola. His Spiritual Exercises, rich with contemplative wisdom, include this particular prayer practice as a way to deepen our connection with God’s perception. By visualizing ourselves through God's loving eyes, we gain valuable insights into our true selves and the unconditional love that surrounds us.
Engaging in this prayer practice can influence how you view yourself and your spiritual journey. Here’s how to approach this contemplative exercise:
Find a Quiet Space: Choose a tranquil environment free from distractions. This could be a serene room, a peaceful corner, or a calming outdoor setting.
Begin with Preparation: Take a few deep breaths to center your mind and body. Let go of any lingering thoughts or concerns as you prepare for prayer.
Consent to God's Presence: Start your prayer by inviting God’s presence into this moment. You might say, “Lord, I invite Your presence into this moment.”
Receive and Listen: Sit in silence. Pay attention to any insights or feelings that arise. What does God want you to understand about yourself and your situation?
Reflect on God's Perspective: Consider how God might view you—both your strengths and struggles. Reflect on what this divine perspective reveals about yourself and your situation. Observe any insights or emotions that arise.
Respond in Prayer: Share your reflections and feelings with God. Express gratitude, seek reassurance, or ask for guidance based on what you’ve experienced.
Conclude with Thanksgiving: End your prayer by thanking God for the insight and comfort you’ve received. Acknowledge the divine presence and the assurance of being seen and loved.
Reflect and Journal: After your prayer, take a moment to write down any insights or emotions that emerged. Journaling helps to solidify the experience and provides clarity for further reflection.
Integrate Insights: Use the understanding gained from this practice to guide your daily actions and decisions. Let the awareness of how God sees you influence your choices and interactions.
In this practice, I’m often surprised by how much more loving and accepting God’s perspective is compared to my own—infinitely more, in fact! Seeing myself through this lens brings a greater sense of self-acceptance and calm, allowing me to rest. It helps me let go of harsh self-criticism and approach both myself and others with more compassion. This shift in perspective makes it easier to face life’s challenges with confidence and build deeper connections.
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If you’re ready to explore how prayer can be a transformative part of your healing journey, Soul Care Counseling in Boulder is here to support you every step of the way.
