Jeremiah 31:2-6, 1 John 4:7-12
Reflect
One of the things that surprised me when I first became a parent was the overwhelming love I had for my son, even at 2 or 3 a.m. When his cries awoke me yet again and I dragged myself out of bed to respond, I was shocked by the visceral love I felt as I gathered him into my arms. And I began to wonder, “God, do You hold us and feel the same way, too?” The answer, I learned, is “Yes!”
The mystic Mechthild of Magdeburg (c. 1207–c. 1282) wrote about her experience of God’s passionate love in her book, “The Flowing Light of the Godhead”. She prayed:
Ah, Lord, love me passionately, love me often, love me long. For the more continuously You love me, the purer I will be; the more fervently You love me, the more beautiful I will be; the longer You love me, the holier I will become here on earth.
God’s response:
Because I Myself am Love, I will love you continuously.
Because I long to be loved passionately, My desire is to love you fervently.
Because I am everlasting and eternal, I will love you long.
Have you had a moment or two this season when you’ve been stunned, surprised by the love of God for you? How have you reflected His love to others?
Pastor Melissa
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, our Youth and Worship Pastor and Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Associate.
- Pray for Karen Alksne, our Congregational Life Ministry Associate.