On Sundays, Night Prayer takes its lead from some element of the day’s liturgy. In today’s gospel, Jesus asks Peter, three times, « Do you love me? » The Lord asks me the very same question and many more than three times…
I hear you asking that question, Lord:
« Do you love me? »
And my answer?
I do love you, Lord,
even though I often it certainly seems
that I love things
more than I love you…
I do love you, Lord,
even though the evidence may suggest
I love my self, my reputation, my feelings
more than I love you…
I do love you, Lord,
even though my schedule shows
I love the internet’s screens and devices
more than I love spending time with you…
I do love you, Lord,
even though the paths my mind wanders
often take me far from the place
where I might sit with you in prayer…
I do love you, Lord,
even though I often miss opportunities
to serve you in my family,
in my neighborhood, in my community,
in my world…
I do love you, Lord,
even though my words and deeds
so often do so little
to reflect what my heart holds for you…
I do love you, Lord, and I pray tonight
you know my love for you
even when I don’t know how to tell you
or don’t make the time
to love you as I ought
in word and deed and prayer…
I do love you, Lord,
oh, believe me,
I love you…
Protect me, Lord, while I’m awake
and watch over me while I sleep
that awake, I might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
I love You, LordFor Your mercy never fails meAll my days, I’ve been held in Your handsFrom the moment that I wake upUntil I lay my headOh, I will sing of the goodness of God
‘Cause all my life You have been faithfulAnd all my life You have been so, so goodWith every breath that I am ableOh, I will sing of the goodness of God
I love Your voiceYou have led me through the fireIn darkest night You are close like no otherI’ve known You as a FatherI’ve known You as a FriendAnd I have lived in the goodness of God, yeah
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after meYour goodness is running after, it’s running after meWith my life laid down, I surrendered nowI give You everything, oh Lord (2X)
And all my life You have been faithfulAnd all my life You have been so, so goodWith every breath that I am ableOh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of GodI’m gonna sing
All my life You have been faithful(All of my life You’ve been faithful)All my life You have been so, so good(So good with every breath)every breath that I am able(Every breath I’m able)I will sing (I’m gonna sing)Of the goodness (of the goodness of God, yes I am)I’m gonna sing of the goodness of GodOh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
