Not Self

Lord,

make me more aware of my own failings

than the failings of others.

Make me more conscious of other's selves

than of my self.

Give me eyes to see the unseen hurts of others

instead of the inward burning gaze of myself.

Give me ears to hear to silent cries of others

instead of incessant buzz of my own self talk.

Help me not to seek the inward righteousness of self

but desire the righteousness of others.

Help me to desire not the glorification of self

but the raising of up others above myself.

Let me not be made in the image I imagine for myself

but rather in the image You have for me.