Resting in God's Love: An Advent StorySample

GREATEST COMMANDMENT

Upon receiving the love of God, we must not hoard it for ourselves. Instead, we are commanded to reflect that love back to God with our entire being and reflect His love to others.

Use this simple tool to practice silence and solitude.

1- Take 5 deep breaths – with each inhale, pray silently “Jesus,” and on the exhale, pray, “You love me.”

2- Take 5 more deep breaths – this time, with each inhale, pray silently “Lord,” and on the exhale, pray, “I love You.”

3- Read Matthew 22:37-38 multiple times. Read until certain words or phrases feel like they’re being ‘highlighted’ for you. Ask God what he might be saying to you, and write down your impressions.

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (NIV)

4- Pray those impressions back to God using four forms of prayer:

Lord, I praise You…

Lord, forgive me…

Thank you, Lord…

Jesus, I need your help to love…

Take a Next Step: What does love for God and others look like in word and speech, in actions and truth? How can you show love this Christmas season?