We love you
because you first loved us
because you knit us together, just as we are
because you gave us the care of this awe-inspiring world
because you keep your arms open to us, no matter what we do
because you look for us when we get lost
because you subjected your son to earthly powers so that we could better understand your ways
because you enliven us with your bold and beautiful spirit
because you invite us to join you in making things on earth as they are in heaven
because you prepare an eternal home for us in the presence of your peace
You give us so many reasons to love you
We don’t always do it so well
We don’t always pay it forward to others
Help us to love bigger
and to be made more like you by loving and being loved
You are not just the unending source of love
You are love itself
And we come before you astounded and grateful
Amen
Laura Stephens-Reed is a clergy and congregational coach working with ministers and churches across the ecumenical spectrum. Having served in a variety of pastoral roles and denominations, she is primarily affiliated with the Alliance of Baptists and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and has ministerial standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Based in northwest Alabama (United States), Laura is married to a United Methodist pastor, and they have a eight-year-old son. She blogs weekly at laurastephensreed.com.
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Amen — O yes.
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