Mindful Of Your Unfailing Love

MINDFUL OF YOUR UNFAILING LOVE

a prayer to open

Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.

Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true.

Declare me innocent, O LORD,

for I have acted with integrity;

I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.

Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me.

Test my motives and my heart.

For I am always aware of your unfailing love,

and I have lived according to your truth.

I do not spend time with liars

or go along with hypocrites.

I hate the gatherings of those who do evil,

and I refuse to join in with the wicked.

I wash my hands to declare my innocence.

I come to your altar, O LORD,

singing a song of thanksgiving

and telling of all your wonders.

I love your sanctuary, LORD,

the place where your glorious presence dwells.

Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners.

Don’t condemn me along with murderers.

Their hands are dirty with evil schemes,

and they constantly take bribes.

But I am not like that; I live with integrity.

So redeem me and show me mercy.

Now I stand on solid ground,

and I will publicly praise the LORD.

What if the beginning of a blameless life is not sin management but rather mindfulness of God’s unfailing love and reliance on his faithfulness? So often when we reflect on our lives, our starting point is our own frailties, weaknesses, and sin. But what if before we considered how to follow in God’s ways or determined how to turn from our own selfish desires or destructive behaviors (which are also worthy tasks) we first remembered his unfailing love for us and enduring faithfulness toward us? Indeed, what if God’s unfailing love and enduring faithfulness were the starting points of all our thoughts? If we start there each morning, we will more easily be able to say no to deceitful ways and stand strong in the face of those who seek to pull us away from God’s path. How might our lives be shaped if we kept his unfailing love and enduring faithfulness at the top of our minds?

• Read this passage again slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think that particular word or phrase speaks to you? What does it say?
• What does it mean that God loves you unfailingly? What does it mean that he is faithful? (Make these personal. For example, “The fact that God loves me unfailingly means that even when I do [or am] _________, he loves me.”)
• Reflect on your greatest temptation—the thing that most often pulls you toward selfishness or behavior that is destructive to you or others. How might becoming mindful of God’s unfailing love for you in those moments affect your ability to resist?

Lord, you love me, unfailingly, without hesitation, all the time. I don’t understand this kind of love. Allow me to know it from you. Let this truth be the thing that I wake up knowing. Let it inform how I think, what I say, and all I do. When fear overtakes me or when shame comes knocking on my door, remind me that I am loved. I have nothing to fear. I cannot get away from your love—your love is unfailing. Help me remember. Amen.