Daily Prayers

Prayer is Love, I want to Love

The Greatest Commandment

Jesus’ Life: Chapter 13 – Jesus’ Final Ministry In Jerusalem

Love is perhaps the most talked about topic in the whole world. So, if it is the most talked about, is it our greatest challenge!

Quote: The Joy of Life is Love

When Jesus was asked by a Scribe, what is the greatest commandment? He instantly replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength” and added, the second greatest is, “Love your neighbour as yourself.”

Jesus spoke “Aramaic” (Pope Francis 27/05/14) but he also knew Hebrew and possibly Greek. Interestingly, the New Testament was written in Greek and the Greek language has at least six distinct words for LOVE!

Here are FOUR:

Agápe: – Brotherly love, the love of God for man and of man for God.
Eros: – Intimate physical love, between husband and wife in marriage.
Philía: – Friendship, between equals.
Storgē: – Natural affection, between parents and their children.

Although the meaning of the four words overlap, individually they help to give us a clearer indication of our daily challenges.

So, do you need a few new ideas on “Agápe” – loving God?

Try these simple suggestions:

Script: Love Hate

Answer, but don’t argue
Listen, but don’t interrupt
Give, but don’t skimp
Trust, but don’t dither
Promise, but don’t forget

Share, but don’t pretend
Enjoy, but don’t complain
Forgive, but don’t punish
Speak, but don’t accuse
Pray, but don’t cease

Got it! Excellent; God loves you. (Matthew 22:34-40, Mark 12:28-34, Luke 10:25-28)

Thought

If your life has been filled with darkness recently, maybe love is worth yet another try! Remember, multiple small steps have a BIG impact and everyone is loved, by someone and by God.

True love for God increases our deepest understanding of sin, the need for repentance and God’s great mercy. It means sharing, forgiving and being compassionate to all including, our leaders, our friends, our enemies, the poor and the rejected.

Reflection

Lord Jesus, help me to “Make Love History”. Guide my wayward heart, bring peace to my life and our world.

Prayer: Judgement Day (Matthew 25:35-36, 40)

To those on his right, He will say, come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you:

I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you invited me in,
I was naked and you gave me clothing,
I was sick and you took care of me,
I was in prison and you visited me.’

I tell you the truth, just as you did it for one of the least of these [neighbours] of mine, you did it for me.