Love Does Not

 

 Devotional Guide

 March 11-18th

Love Does Not Keep Track of Wrongs

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gioacchino_Assereto_-_Mocking_of_Christ.jpg

VISIO DIVINA 

is meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with

God through images. How does this image speak to you about love?

Reading 1 Corinthians 13:5 It love does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,

it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.How does this image portray what love is not?

Why are the faces of the men in black blurred?

Why is Christ’s face and body finely focused?

Pray upon this image. Take time to make tally marks

next to this picture, or upon the body of Christ.

Think about forgiveness, love, and God’s revealing

insight upon love.

PRAYER

MORNING

God of the infinite, you create each morning in a new light.

Despite our simple needs for order and routine

no day is exactly the same.

Guide me in the holiness of your creation.

Bring wonder and awe to my knowing

and seeing you in your Word, love, and forgiveness. Amen

READINGS FOR REFLECTION

Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer.

Taking Inventory

In my life I have moved around more than most,

but not as much as others. The physical process of moving

is a daunting task. It is physically and emotionally exhausting.

The easiest way to move is to hire a company to do it for you.

They come and pack everything up in boxes, load it on a truck,

and deliver everything to your new home.

What always seems to catch me be surprise is how long it takes

to inventory all the boxes and furniture.

This part of the process can take most of a day.

This process ensures that nothing gets forgotten.

Paul tells us in 1Corinthians 13:5 that love does not record wrong doings.

Love does not take inventory of slights, betrayals, hurts, lies, faults, failings, shortcomings……

Jesus does not keep a tally of marks upon his back. He forgives.

He wipes the slate clean. We pray for the courage to love this way when we say,

 “forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us”.

Allow Jesus to do the heavy lifting and carry those heavy boxes to the trash. Ann

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

You may also like Lectio Divina a focused reading and meditation of scripture. 

Audio Lectio   

One Year Bible

Chronological Bible

Virtues for Prayer Each Day of The Week:

love of God- Sunday                 

love of neighbor -Monday         

humility -Tuesday                     

self-denial -Wednesday and Friday

resignation and meekness -  Thursday

and thanksgiving - Saturday 

 Heitzenrater, Richard P. (2013-08-20). Wesley and the People Called Methodists

ABIDING IN THE SPIRIT

           * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help your focus.Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand, change, make, explore…...

SENDING PRAYER

Lord, I hesitate to continue in my day.Your loving presence enfolds me and strengthens me.

Guide me into the miracle of this day secured in faith and driven in love.  Amen

DAYTIME

Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer,

release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina

and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day.

PRAYER

Lord of forever,

God of my breath,

I pause,

I remember your forgiveness,

I praise. Amen

EVENING

Questions for Day that has Past 

It is important to reflect upon our day and where we may be more present
in our faith and more expressive in sharing what we know of God’s grace with others. These questions are in response to what God begins within us.God is the force to which we respond God is first. We live in response to his love given through Christ.

Did I love God in prayer with thankfulness and openness?

How will I love God more tomorrow?

Did I love others and share the beauty of God?

Was I generous with my time and resources?

Did I grow in faith?

Did I grow in love for God and others today?

Did I extend the forgiveness of Christ that I desire to receive?

Did I take time to appreciate all God has provided?

Did I love God through creative praise?

ABIDING IN THE SPIRIT*

PRAYER

Father of forgiveness wipe the slate of my day clean of all my undoing’s.

That which I have done to others and to myself.

I seek to forgive, to love, to grow in grace

so that I live and love in your example.

To be purified by your Son, Spirit, and grace

into a person that lives according to faith,

and lives in praise to you, my God. Amen