prayer for self-confidence

The journey
(a contemporary prayer poem for self-esteem and self-worth)

O God, this is a prayer for your help within my life.
I desire to give myself each day the grace that comes from Christ.
I do not stumble to forgive, or care for those in need,
I find I love to serve and learn, and have willing hands and feet.

I love all those around me and encourage them each day,
In all they ever could be, I see them with heavens gaze.
And yet I fear I stumble when looking at myself,
I often wish that somehow I could be someone else.

I criticise and scrutinise each aspect within me,
And tend to find so many reasons to reject the one I see.
From every aspect of my thoughts, I find that I compare
Myself to others, cleverer, or more talented or fair.

And once I've finished putting myself down in every way,
I sense my spirit failing, and then lock myself away.
Yet I know that if I start to place those feelings in your grace,
I find I forgive my failings and give thanks for each new day.

My spirit grows much lighter, I open eyes to see,
The joy of being human when you stand so close to me.
The journey that I travel is the adventure you began,
The miracle of love and grace that I hold in my hands.