Inspired by Rick Renner’s thoughts on 1 Corinthians 13 in Sparkling Gems from the Greek:

O God,

Please give us the wisdom and strength to function in your agape love for others, even when they hurt us.

Clear our minds to see them through your eyes so we won’t take up an offence at anyone.

Give us a love that covers the flaws of others rather than seeking to expose them -- love that shields and safeguards them.

Keep us loyal and faithful, never surrendering, prepared to “work it out” with those who offend us no matter how much time or energy is required.

Guide us to stay by the side of those who need your help, bearing their burdens with them. Keep us from throwing up our hands in despair over actions or attitudes that distress us.

Teach us to hope for and expect the best in them. Instead of assuming failure or a bad result in someone’s life, help us anticipate everything good for them.

We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus, amen.

Supporting verses . . . 

“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” Proverbs 10:12

 

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” I Corinthians 13:4 -7

Abba Father, Creator of the Universe, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

               You thought of us while your Spirit hovered over the formless mass that became our earth -- before you spoke the first word of creation. Ideas darted and simmered in your mind and you saw our faces and desired relationship with us. Even then. Even before we ever were.

Because you wanted relationship, you created us with the ability to choose our destiny. To decide to return your love -- even though you knew we could never fully understand your agape love. Never really return it.

You were Immanuel, God with us. You walked with the first humans in the garden, speaking with them face to face. Loving them fervently. Continuing to love them after they chose separation from you.

We can’t comprehend that kind of love. We don’t ‘get’ why you still wanted relationship with Mankind. But you did. You still do.

And because you still pursue relationship with us, you sent your Son to the cross, and now his Spirit lives inside each of us who believe in you. You long for us to love you and acknowledge you with our words and thoughts. Your heart beats with eagerness when we look to you. When we turn away we break your heart.

Teach us to love you, Lord. Really love you. Prevent us from focusing on other things and allowing our love for you to fade. Soften our hearts. Increase our faith. Open our eyes to who you are and ways we can please you. Teach to pursue you with fervor. Help us rest and allow you to fill us with contentment so we can enjoy your love. Remind us to magnify and revere your name. Nudge us to speak your praises. We love you, Lord, and we pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.

Supporting verses:

“. . . He chose us in him before the foundation of the world.” Ephesians 1:4a

“And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.” Genesis 3:8a

“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you with his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30