Friday June 16, 2023

Today is Friday, June 16 and we are learning about serving Christ and others.

As I begin this time of prayer, I center myself upon the goodness of God. I slow my breathing and calm my mind. With every exhale I relinquish negative thoughts, worries and fears. With every inhale I take in God’s love, joy and peace.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord and Savior, take my hand, guide my steps and lead me on this pilgrim journey. Open my heart, mind and soul and help me comprehend the truth you speak into my life today. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s faithfulness and praise him with the ancient words of Psalm 31.

But I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. Psalm 31:14-16

Pause and Pray

The night before he gave himself up for the world, Jesus gathered his disciples in the Upper Room and shared the Last Supper with them. Jesus lovingly and humbly washed their feet (even Judas’ feet) and then he gave them the words of what is known as the Farewell Discourse (John 14-17). In his goodbye speech, Jesus told them of the New Covenant. He revealed a new way of living for his followers that flows from having been loved by God and chosen by him. Christians are to love one another in response to God’s great love. Love is the new commandment Christ gave.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:13-17

Jesus expects his followers to love – to love him, to love one another and to obey his commands. God’s first move of love begets our response of love. We receive the love of God and we give the love of God. We love others because God first loved us. The ultimate life goal, the secret to success, the key to finding ultimate meaning, the passport to discovering purpose is to live a life of love. As we grow in grace and progress in maturity, we can make love a way of life. Practice authentic love day in and day out in the name of Jesus.

Ask: How can I prioritize love in all my relationships today? How can I intentionally “send love” to others?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching me about love. You laid down your life for me and called me friend. You chose me and appointed me to go and bear lasting fruit in this barren world. Show me what it means to live a life of love – loving God and loving others with all that I am and all that I have. In every opportunity let me lead with love. I read the words from John again and listen for the message you have for me.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:13-17

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Love has the power to transform lives, heal divisions and bring peace. I consider all the relationships in my life. I think of someone I care about, someone with whom I already have a good relationship but I wouldn’t mind if it were even better. I ask God to show me how I can lead with love. I ask God to help me make an opening move today with love. I think of another person who has been unkind to me, perhaps mean or selfish, who has acted without regard for my feelings. I ask God to show me how I can lead with love and make an opening move today with love. In both relationships I will prayerfully endeavor to increase my love and demonstrate love through acts of kindness, consideration, courtesy, humility, forgiveness, generosity, patience or peace.

Pause and Pray

Holy and Loving God, show me where I lack love for others and increase it. Fill my heart with forgiveness, compassion and caring through the power of your Holy Spirit. Give me the heart of Jesus and show me what it means to live a life of love following Christ’s mandate of love. Amen.

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

I leave this time of prayer knowing I am dearly loved by God. I go to love others in the name of Jesus.

Amen