… "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast. It is
not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it not easily angered, it
keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the
truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves. I
Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
Lord..
Because love is patient…
Help me to be slow to judge, but quick to listen.
Hesitant to criticize, but eager to encourage,
Remembering your endless patience with me.
Because love is kind…
Help my words to be gentle and my actions to be thoughtful. Remind me to
smile and say "Please" and "Thank You". Because those little
things still mean so much.
Because love does not envy or boast, and is not proud…
Help me to have a heart that is humble and sees the
good in others. May I celebrate and appreciate all that I have and all that I
am, as well as doing the same for those around me.
Because love is not rude or self-seeking…
Help me to speak words that are easy on the ear and the heart. When I am
tempted to get wrapped up in my own little world, remind me that there’s a great
big world out there full of needs and hurts.
Because love is not easily angered and keeps no record of
wrongs...
Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me,
when I want to hold a grudge, gently help me
release it so I can reach out with a hand of love instead.
Because love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth...
Help me stand up for what is right and good. May I defend the
defenseless, and help the helpless. Show me how I can make a difference.
Because love always protects and always trusts...
Help me to be a refuge for those around me. When the world outside is
harsh and cold, may my heart be a place of acceptance and warmth.
Finally, because love always perseveres…
Help my heart continually beat with love for You and others.
Thank-you for this day when we celebrate love and for showing us what
that word really means.
Gloria
Dei Lutheran Church
