Reflect
We are often our own worst critics, failing to extend compassion to ourselves when we would easily do so for a loved one. Use this prayer to find your center within God’s compassionate embrace.
Pray
God of mercy,
I feel so self-critical;
I never seem to do enough,
or be enough,
to satisfy myself.
Sometimes it is easier to have compassion
on everyone else.
Today I ask for the grace
to accept myself
as simply a little child
in need of love.
Amen.
Act
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Tenderly speak to yourself the words you need to hear, the way you would speak to a friend.
2 thoughts on “Start with Compassion”
Lord Jesus Christ, help us to trust in your unwavering love and saving help, especially when we meet adversities, trials, and temptations. Give us your peace when we are troubled and let us know the joy of your victory over sin and death. Amen.
The words “I never seem to do enough or be enough to satisfy myself” struck me. That’s how I’ve gone through most of my life. But God gave me the grace to realize self acceptance happens when we seek to satisfy the one who loved us into being and who found us worthy of dying to save. We indeed are children in need of love, and when we surrender to the God who loves us we will find it.