A Collect to See Beyond the Surface

Almighty God, who sees all things and from whom nothing is hidden, grant us eyes that see beyond the surface and are not trusting of mere appearances, that we would see what matters to you and would recognize darkness and light in people hearts, as well as our own, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who knew what was in people’s hearts yet loved them anyway, laying down his life for them to be raised by you and the Holy Spirit. Amen. ‘But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”‘ – 1 Sam. 16:7