The Global Prayer for Self-Awareness
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”
We are living in a time of struggle, coming out of the pandemic. The battle at first was the physical threat of suffering and death from Covid-19 and its variants. With the advent of lifesaving vaccinations, even for the youngest of us, the significant peril is now emotional and spiritual. Our way to a renewed sense of wholeness must come through healthy self-awareness.
“4 Habits of Genuinely Self-Aware People” by Nick Wignall provides meaningful recommendations for addressing society’s challenges during our long road to recovery. Wignall points out, “Self-awareness is cultivated with good habits.” Wignall believes we nurture these excellent habits in four affirming ways. “1. Be curious about your own mind.” God gave each one of us a fantastic gift in our minds. We are to embrace our mind and use it to bring emotional and spiritual healing. “When you’re curious about your thoughts, it’s a lot easier to work with them instead of fighting against them.” Being willing to investigate your thoughts and learning provides an awakening. As Carl Jung states, “Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”
Wignall’s second recommendation is, “2. Ask for feedback-and take it well.” It is not easy to evaluate our actions. The more transparent we can be with ourselves, the better we are to become more self-aware. As Wignall puts it, “If you want to see yourself through other people’s eyes you must ask.” Self-awareness also requires the humility to accept others’ criticism and learn from it rather than be defensive. When we are done hearing other people’s vision of us, it is time to “3. Observe your emotions without judgment.” It can be easier to take other people’s criticism than, to be honest with ourselves. Don’t just criticize yourself, but also affirm yourself with the same honesty.
Finally, “4. Be realistic with your expectations.” Wignall comments, “Expectations are often unconscious defense mechanisms we use to alleviate anxiety.” When we are realistic with ourselves and others, it is easier to accept and love again. Today, pray for all the world’s people. How often in human history has every human being been deeply affected by the same situation? We all need renewed hope and healing by the hand of God. Pray for God’s Spirit to direct all the world’s people to seek self-awareness to recognize the need for improved self-awareness. Self-awareness is the pathway to global healing and wholeness.
