For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
“No matter what you do, God loves you. He will forgive you. He believes in second chances and hundreds more, if you need them. Be quick to forgive and pray for a forgiving spirit. How would your life change if you loved unconditionally?“
Today, while wandering around on the web looking for an appropriate prayer for tonight’s meeting, I stumbled upon the above bible verse and the quote and thought…hmmm!?!
Not one chance, not a second chance, but hundreds upon hundreds… nothing… not present, past, future can separate us from His love. WOW!!! You mean when I tell a little white lie? Yep. When I do things that are not kind? Yep. What about? Yep. Or when I? Yep. Even then! While many of us don’t “need” those second chances, I know I am blessed with them! And isn’t it comforting to know that He loves us, regardless & unconditionally?
While some of us “try/attempt” to love unconditionally, it is difficult. We are human and we react in fear most of the time… especially when we are alone, hurt, or filled with doubt. We can often lose the ability to love or even like unconditionally. It is only through prayer and meditation that I experience that constant contact with God and then, and only then, that I can even attempt to have/give an attempt at unconditional love.
When attempting to stay connected… two things come to mind: (from my grandmother) Hem your day in Prayer! – and the other from many sources – Pray without ceasing!
My grandmother, I thought was saying Hymn (as in singing) your day in prayer! As I got older and realized that as a home economics teacher, Grandmother intended to use the sewing analogy as the mode of instruction about praying. Little did I know that this was not my grandmother’s original saying… oh well! So as I begin, weaving the needle in and out of my day (praying, asking for His guidance), and ending the day by tying a knot (thanking Him for the many blessings) I can look back upon the day, not necessarily seeing all the frayed edges or potential unraveling of the day but instead at the beautiful garment He created! Cool huh?
Praying Without Ceasing- what??? A onerous task… really, how in the world would I ever get anything done if I was on my knees praying continually??? But perception shift, in all that I do, do it in prayer! Open dialogue with Him throughout my day, seeking His guidance, and then shutting up to hear His answers!
Just for today, try to do things without conditions… yep I can do that! Can I do it 100% all day? Doubtful… but who knows – I can try. And if I don’t try, I know for sure, I will 100% fail! So… I will try.
Maybe this will be my prayer for tonight…
“Thank you God for your unconditional love! Amen.”
