How valuable the heart truly is, and how priceless it is to GOD. For many years I have given it away too easily or I have tried to guard it on my own. I have been coming before GOD and continue to with the simple prayer…what is Love? What does it mean to Love, to receive Love, to Love others, to Love GOD?
And it begins with vulnerability. So I share with you my prayer from the beginning of the year where I stood timid, fearful, lost, and with a heart in need of healing.
January 3, 2009
I am in your hands, GOD! You have my heart….the heart that has for too long been closed off is learning about freedom and acceptance in your Love. My heart beats to Love radically, GOD. It comes alive in you. May my life bring glory and praise to you. May you be honored in each moment with each breath. I long to be a servant for you, GOD. I don’t know what all that entails, but I will listen and obey. I need to get past myself so that you are seen. I rejoice through the tears, GOD, that you have heard the cry of my heart.
and HE reveals more of HIS Love…
As Gloria cried with me, Lucia grabbed my hand, Katya wrapped her arms around me, I learned that Love is selfless, not expecting or requiring anything in return. (Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good ~ Romans 12:9)
Through preparing and serving meals to the homeless, I learned that Love flourishes within a servant’s heart. (Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves ~ Romans 12:10)
As my family, the body of Christ, has together encouraged, corrected, listened to, challenged, served, prayed, shared Truth with one another, and much more… I learned that Love is living the Life GOD calls us to live as the body, always seeking and praising God, the One who fills us with Love. (Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord ~ Romans 12:11)
Through my friendship with Stella, I learned that Love is filled with compassion and truly trusting GOD in all circumstances and situations. (Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer ~ Romans 12:12)
As GOD led me in prayer, walking through the bars in Thailand, I learned that Love does not judge or compare, but is filled with grace and patience, and a desire to understand one’s heart. (Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer ~ Romans 12:12)
Through the grieving of leaving family and those I have met along the way, I have learned that Love is not based on physical presence, but is present in the way GOD connects our hearts that we are able to rejoice together and pray for one another. (Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer ~ Romans 12:12)
As food has been shared, possessions given away, and being welcomed into many homes around the world, I learned that Love is understanding that all that I am blessed with is not “mine”. It is giving and sharing joyfully. (Share with GOD’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality ~ Romans 12:13)
