Greetings Prayer Warriors,
Steadfast love. All
over scripture Jesus and/or his disciples exhibited such love. It was the outward sign for all to see,
leaving little doubt as to whom the followers of Jesus were. It’s lovely to read about such unwavering
love, but when you stop and contemplate the cost, it is very humbling. His disciples lived for Him, not themselves. Perhaps they learned that total surrender
brought the unexpected gifts of peace and joy.
Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also
will my servant be. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you
have love for one another. John 12:26; 13:35
Surrender comes in different forms, but perhaps in this New
Year we can start by taking small steps to increase our love in the familiar
surroundings of marriage and family. Let
go of worldly desires and focus on pleasing the Lord by loving others. If you
are married, begin by praying for the light to see how you can love your spouse
more. Ask the Lord to help you to love
as He loves you. If you are not married, pray for a couple who is.
Do not love the world or the
things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not
in him. For all that is in the world, sensual lust,
enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is
from the world. Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But
whoever does the will of God remains forever.
1 John 2:15-17
Lord, we are so weak
on our own. Sometimes we are so protective
of our own heart that, we turn inward in self-love and gratification. Help us to redirect our focus outward and to
share the love you so generously give to us.
May we find an infinite source of love and strength by in You. Give us
the grace to steadfastly love our spouses for better and for worse, in sickness
and in health. Finally, help us to find sweetness
in prayer.
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Encourage one another by sharing your hope and commitment to
prayer. Pass it on!
