A Prayer about the God Who Knows You

Do you want to be known and loved?

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12

All-Seeing Father,

You know that our world tells us to know ourselves 

and even to decide for ourselves who we will be—

to write our own stories for our own glory. 

Our world teaches us to be “know-it-alls.” 

And yet, you tell us that we are no better at seeing you fully 

than a seventy-five-year old with cataracts. 

Yes, we see some aspects clearly, 

both of you and ourselves, 

but much remains dim. 

The great good news is that 

you see us clearly, 

know us fully, 

and love us perfectly. 

In Isaiah, you assure us, 

“I have called you by name, 

you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1). 

Because we belong to you, 

you will be with us 

when we pass through 

turbulent waters 

and terrifying fires. 

Because we belong to you, 

you know us, 

even when we are in the wilderness 

and do not know ourselves. 

We confess our desire for knowledge, 

thinking it gives us power;

We confess our longing to know you fully 

that we might love you fully, 

even as you fully know and fully love us. 

In Jesus’ name. 

Amen.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:12; Isaiah 43:1-2; Hosea 13:4-8.