Jesus said,
« As the Father loves me, so I love you.
Remain in my love…
Remain in my love…
Well, this time you put it right out there, Lord.
In no uncertain terms you make it very clear:
you love me!
You love me as your Father loves you –
and that’s a love so great I can’t begin to imagine it,
– not even on the good days…
– not even on the good days…
You love me…
Is any truth more wonderful and at the same time
so difficult to take in, to believe, to accept?
You. Love. Me.
I’ve done nothing
to earn or deserve your love, Lord:
in fact, there are plenty of reasons for you not to love me
– and yet, you do…
Your love for me abides
even when I’ve stopped looking for or believing
there’s anything lovable
in who I am…
Help me see that I’m loved, Lord,
not on account of any good deeds on my part – no!
Rather; my goodness lies
not on account of any good deeds on my part – no!
Rather; my goodness lies
in my being loved by you…
Help me see that my value rests
Help me see that my value rests
not in my own worthiness
but in my being held and cherished
but in my being held and cherished
in your heart…
Help me see that I’m lovable
because you first loved me
– and take take delight in who I am…
Help me see all these things, Lord,
because I often forget them
or refuse to believe
that such things are true for me…
To know there’s a place for me in your heart:
what peace that would bring to my soul, Lord,
what joy that would bring to my spirit:
you made me for joy and to be at peace
with you, with my neighbor, and with myself…
Help me let go what keeps me from joy,
my selfishness, pride and self-pity;
help me accept all that’s good within me,
help me accept all that’s good within me,
the good that you see and embrace;
help me delight in the treasure you find
help me delight in the treasure you find
in my heart, in my soul, in my prayer…
Open me up to the love you offer,
visit my heart with your healing grace;
help me, in turn, to love those around me
and find in them the joy I long for,
Open me up to the love you offer,
visit my heart with your healing grace;
help me, in turn, to love those around me
and find in them the joy I long for,
the joy that’s yours in loving me…
In this simple prayer of faith and hope,
love me, Lord, as your Father loves you;
help me remain in the love you promise
and open my heart to the joy it brings…
