Dear Jesus,
It seems obvious to say that you were born with skin on. I mean, how else would you be born among us, God? I am sure that you had that soft skin of an infant, supple and smooth. To look at it that way, knowing that it would bear the stripes of the whip, the wounds of the thorns and spear is really hard to bear. But you chose to live with the challenges a human body brings – pain, hunger, thirst, illness, weakness, vulnerability. Perhaps all that was to let us know that our bodies are sacred, just as well as our spirits. You showed up. In person. Not just words on a page. Not just principles to follow or guidance on how to live. But present with us. Walking the human walk. Flesh and blood. I pray today that you would show me how to use my body for your glory. May I see your image when I look in the mirror, as you fashioned me well. May I treat my own body with the care that a divine image deserves. May I manage the appetites and cravings by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, embracing them as human and yet refusing to let them master my soul. And then use my body as you used your own, as an instrument to show others your love and bring healing in whatever small way I can. Let me be present with people in body rather than just in spirit and show up as flesh and blood in their lives. Let my touch of others always be a touch of love and respect, and let my physical presence in some small way reflect your presence in the lives of others. And, when this body wears out, I pray that you would give me a new one, imperishable, glorious, full of power and love. (1 Cor 15:22-24) Until then, let me live well for you with this particular one I have. Amen.