Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement)…. Acts 4:36
Merciful God,
I confess that my nickname
might be “daughter of critique”
rather than “daughter of encouragement.”
Help us, we pray,
to be known as people who encourage,
who praise and affirm others,
who build others up.
Throughout the Bible,
we see your children
affirming and encouraging others.*
Not only that, we see Jesus affirming others:
“You are the salt of the earth…” (Matt. 5:13).
“You are of more value than many sparrows” (Matt. 10:31).
Even a woman who is known for her sins, he praises,
“Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet (Luke 7:44-45).
It is true, he critiques Simon, the Pharisee,
who is judging him for allowing the sinful woman to touch him.
We see that we are called to critique at times,
wisely, patiently, mercifully,
but the overwhelming pattern in Scripture
is to encourage one another
and build each other up” (1 Thess. 5:11).
Help us to look for the image of God in each person,
whether they are believers or unbelievers.
Help us to look for the image of God
even in our enemies,
people who have betrayed us.
And by your Spirit,
give us the words to praise what is praiseworthy,
what reflects your goodness and glory,
in everyone we meet.
In Jesus’ praising and praiseworthy name. Amen.
Read 1 Corinthians 1; Luke 7:36-50; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-15.
*This prayer inspired by the book, Practicing Affirmation: God-Centered Praise of Those Who Are Not God by Sam Crabtree. He gave these examples and many more of Jesus and others praising people.
