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At the National Day of Prayer service we had yesterday, our First Selectman read the following.  He said he found it somewhere on the internet and it really struck him.  I thought it was relevant too, and surmised that you might appreciate reading it as well…

Based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

The Scriptures say “Love is patient.”
God, how can I be patient when I experience injustice?
God, teach me to be patient without being silent or inactive.

The Scriptures say “Love is kind.”
God, how can I be kind as I confront what is evil?
God, teach me to love my enemy.

The Scriptures say “Love is not jealous.”
God how can I not be jealous
of those who have so much wealth or power or control?
God, teach me to keep my values straight.

The Scriptures say “Love is not pompous.”
God, how can I not be pompous when I am speaking truth
to those who seem wrong?
God, teach me to know how to both speak and listen.

The Scriptures say “Love is not inflated.”
God, how can I not be inflated with righteousness in the cause of justice?
God, teach me that I too make mistakes and don’t always see clearly.

The Scriptures say “Love is not rude.”
God, how can I be gracious but also committed to what is right?
God, teach me to respect all my brothers and sisters.

The Scriptures say “Love does not seek its own interests.”
God, how can I move beyond my own limits and desires?
God, teach me to understand the needs and perspective of others, especially the poor.

The Scriptures say “Love is not quick-tempered.”
God, how can I learn from my anger?
God, teach me to learn from my strongest emotions.

The Scriptures say “Love does not brood over injury.”
God, how can I not get discouraged by all the hurts and injuries in our world?
God, teach me to move forward and get into action for what is right.

The Scriptures say “Love does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.”
God, how can I stop thinking of what helps my side to win and the other side to lose?
God, teach me to practice a love that wants the truth to win for all people.

The Scriptures say “Love bears all things.”
God, how can I bear the stress of trying so hard to do what is right?
God, teach me to let go and to trust in your wisdom.

The Scriptures say “Love believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
God, how can I possibly love?
God, teach me that I don’t love alone,
but rather in community with you and all my sisters and brothers.

The Scriptures say “Love never fails.”
God, how is it that I sometimes feel failure? How can I believe?
God teach me to love with a heart as big as the world
And to receive love and help with as big a heart.
Amen.

– author unknown –

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