A Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are the very essence of love, and your love for us is unfailing, unconditional, and perfect. You showed us the greatest act of love when you sent your Son to die for us so that we might be reconciled to you. Your love is patient, kind, and enduring, and it never fails.
I confess that my love often falls short of your example. Your Word teaches us that love is the first and greatest of the fruit of the Spirit, and yet I can be selfish, impatient, and quick to judge. I sometimes withhold love from those who hurt me or who seem difficult to love. Please forgive me for these shortcomings and cleanse my heart of any bitterness or pride that prevents me from loving as you do.
Thank you for the love you pour into my life every day—through your presence, your scripture, and the people you have placed around me. Thank you for loving me even when I am unlovable, and for teaching me what real love looks like.
Lord, I ask you to help me grow in practicing love. Use the transforming power of the Spirit to teach me to love selflessly, to see others as you see them, and to extend grace and kindness, even when it is hard. Help me to love not just in words, but in actions that reflect your character. May my love be a reflection of your love, drawing others closer to you.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Respond
Please pray a prayer about increasing in love.
If you aren’t sure where to begin, you can use the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, and Supplication:
- Adoration: Praise God. Does this topic bring any specific characteristics of God to mind?
- Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. Does this topic bring any specific sins to mind?
- Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. Does anything from this topic inspire gratitude?
- Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. Does anything from this topic inspire a prayer?
If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.
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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
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