Love
The love which is God’s and which the Spirit seeks to grow in us is the remarkable love which can respond in a completely counter-cultural way, embracing enemies as well as neighbours. Jesus demonstrates this love in praying for forgiveness for those who are putting him to death. (Luke 23:33-34)
Who are those you find it hard to seek the best for?
Who may the Spirit be bringing to mind inviting you to pray for forgiveness for?
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To know Jesus more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly.
Setting: A Scripture reading to ponder – Lectio Divina. Or you can imagine that you are listening to Jesus on the Mountain where he is preaching his sermon. Notice how you and the people around you responds to the idea of loving your enemies. Imaginative Contemplation
Scripture
Matthew 5: 43-48 NIVUK
‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.”
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.
For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?
Do not even the tax-collectors do the same?
And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others?
Do not even the Gentiles do the same?
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words as a friend
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
Father Forgive – Glen and Teresa LaRive