Friday Prayer: The Hard Work of Loving

Lord, you are love itself - not just loving, but the very source and definition of what love means. You showed us that love is not a feeling but a choice, not comfort but sacrifice, not ease but the most beautiful hard work there is.

I've been loving conditionally today, keeping score, waiting for others to love me first before I risk loving them. I've been stingy with grace, quick to take offense, slow to extend the benefit of the doubt. Thank you for loving me with an everlasting love, for choosing me again and again even when I'm difficult to love. Thank you for showing me that real love doesn't depend on being loved back, for every relationship that's taught me something about the way you love.

Help me love like you love - freely, fully, without conditions or expectations. Give me patience with people who are learning and growing, just like I am. When loving feels hard, help me remember how hard you loved me. Tonight, fill my heart with your love so it overflows naturally to others. Make me a conduit of the love I've received from you.