The Greatest of these is Love

A month long journey to grow as witnesses of Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Love in our lives. Co-written by: Shay Hawk, Michael Valentine, Suzanne and Todd Boudreaux

Table of Contents

Overview _____________________3

Week 1-Love your Enemy___________________________4-12 Written By Shay Hawk

Week 2- Love your Neighbor _______________________13-24 Written By Suzanne Boudreaux

Week 3- Love your Family_____________________25-31 Written By Todd Boudreaux

Week 4- Love the Father_______________________32-42 Written By Michael Valentine

A Breviary on Love John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave is only Son.

This Breviary is a collection of daily devotions that will carry you through a month long journey on growing in your connection to the Love of Jesus Christ. Jesus is Love; therefore if he is in us, we must reflect his love also. Although it seems difficult to love those who are unloveable, walking through this month in prayer will guide your heart to a new level of compassion, love, and grace. This breviary will help you pull off your spiritual mask and revel your desires to open your heart to God while growing to love as he loves.

Loving your Enemy By : Shay Hawk

This next week will be prayers on loving your enemy. This is something as a, Christian, follower, and lover of Christ that can be hard to swallow because often times we want instant justice. Our enemy is not necessarily a person who is bent on “destroying” us. Sometimes our enemies are the people who cause situations that simply just ruin your day. They could also be the people who wrong us emotionally and those that can just make everyday life hard. There are several reason and situations that a person could be considered an “enemy”. Here we are using it as a term of description to help us apply what the bible teaches us to do for people that are opposite of us, those that are against us, and those that can be antagonistic toward us. The following next few days there will be a scripture, words of meditation, then a prayer for situations when one could fall under the term enemy. The goal is by the end of the week you are able to Love your enemy a little bit easier, and to know what to pray. Also notice that the meditation quotes are for opening you’re heart up and aiding with the ability to pray for your “enemy”. They may not be directly related to the scripture subject but repeat them slowly let them sink into your heart.

Week 1 – Day 1

“Prayer against retaliation”

Morning Scriptures Proverbs 24:29 Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render (repay) to the man according to his work.” I Peter 3:9 Not rendering (repaying) evil for evil, or railing for railing (criticize, condemn, attack): but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are there unto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. Meditation: You first loved me, a sinner. Prayer: Abba God, I come before you humbly with a heavy heart. I am angry at/with (your situation), and I want justice. God I need something to happen to resolve this (your situation)! However; I know that you do not want me to seek out revenge or retaliation. Merciful father, I need your love, I need it to overwhelm me. Help me be contrary to what the actions the world expects of me. Help me to love as you love me. Give me understanding and remembrance that at one point I was lost a sinner.

Evening Scripture I Thessalonians 5:14-15 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Meditation: You are a good father who has mercy on my soul!

Prayer: My gracious Heavenly Father, my Lord and King of my life. Help me to be slow to anger and slow to speak. Remind me to answer softly instead of with sharp piercing words. Give me patience with those who/that (your situation). Because if I have patience father I would less likely answer so harshly and with anger. I would feel less likely to want to get even, to show them how wrong they are, to prove my myself or my point. Thank you for my life and for loving me enough that you are relentless and patient toward me.

Week 1-Day 2

“Pray for those who curse you”

Prayer Father God, thank you for another day and the ability to show your love to a lost world. Thank you for extending your love so that I may show it as well. (Persons Name) has issued curses towards me and swears at me. I (may or may not know) what the issue is but I pray that You help me turn to love, I pray that You bless them in every situation of their lives. Bless them so that Your Glory is revealed and if it is through me I am willing. I pray that You reveal Your truth to them, and if their curses are due to something that I am causing, I ask that you reveal it to me, and give me the ability to ask for forgiveness.

Evening scriptures II Timothy 2:24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.

Meditation: You gave me mercy when I deserved your wrath!

Prayer: Most precious Savior, we fall down on our faces and humbly seek you out. Give every opportunity to turn a curse into a moment of blessing and teaching. Give me patient that I don’t argue and speak in anger. Most of show me how to love the person that is giving me the cursing, and show me how to be able not only pray blessings over them but be a blessing to them. Give me boldness to speak your name. In Jesus Name

Week 1-Day 3

“Pray for those who hate you”

Morning Scripture Matthew 5:44 “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Meditation: Your goodness is overwhelming, over whelm me, transform and renew my mind. Prayer: Father you are the beginning and the end, you are the creator of the universe, yet when I cry out you move the heavens to listen and comfort me. I feel like (person’s name) is bent on hating me. Every action (situation) of (he/she) shows their dislike toward me. I am in place God where I need you to show me how to love. I pray that I can show your love toward (this person). Bless (this person him/her), help me find common ground that we can build on. Please remind to respond in kindness and in lowliness toward them Father. Go out before (person) bless their comings and goings today, give them a good day, and if (person) does not know you I call out and plead for their salvation.

Evening scripture Proverbs 25:21-22 If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you. Meditation: I am your beloved and you are my beloved. (Repeat until it sinks in) Prayer: You are the Lord of my life oh God, you are magnificent. I cannot put into words how amazingly wonderful you are. God I plead that you break the cycle of hatred in (person)’s life and if there be any in mine break the cycle of hatred and anger in my own life. Free me so that I am able to show love toward (person). Melt the hate that is in their heart. Let it not become a seed of bitterness, and if that hate is from bitterness then use me to help un-root it with your love. When it is all finished Father, and they feel the shame of their conviction, let them come repent to you. In Jesus name!

Week 1-Day 4

“Pray for those that spitefully use you”

Morning Scriptures Matthew 5:44 “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Meditation: Lord make haste to help, Lord, make speed to save me Prayer: My hope is in you Lord. Abba, Father, I come before you broken and angry once again. I am being purposely used and abused by (person) for their own agenda. I pray that you forgive (person) and help me to forgive (person). I pray that you would give (person) wisdom and a revelation in the knowledge of Jesus Christ! I pray a prayer of blessing over their lives, a blessing that would lead them to you. Show me how to love in this situation, and keep me from getting any bitterness. Evening Scripture I Corinthians 13:4 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Meditation: I put my trust in you, I belong to you Prayer: Most compassionate Father, ruler over everything that lives and breathes. Help my love not give up on (person) allow me to put being used aside and just let me see (the person) as somebody who needs You. Give me endurance during this time oh God and give me strength and hope. God root and ground (person) in your love also let your

love abound in them. Allow my actions to be a witness of your love and blessing to (person), In Jesus name!

Week 1 -Day 5

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pray for those who persecute youâ&#x20AC;?

Morning Scriptures: Psalms 109:3-4 They encircle me with words of hate, and attack me without cause. In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer Meditation: You are me refuge, I put my trust in You, O God of my praise!

Prayer: O God of my praise, O mighty Savior in whom I trust. Not one leaf on a tree is allowed to move without your decree, yet you are mindful of me. Here my heart Abba father! I am being attacked without good reason, except that I choose to live my life different from the world. Father I feel as if the walls are crushing in and I have no place to go except to reach my hands to you, that you may lift me up! I pray that I can persevere through these persecutions that my love is and becomes relentless as you are to me. Forgive me if I have showed anger or un-forgiveness towards (person). Bless them and reveal yourself to them, In Jesus Name.

Evening Scriptures I Peter 4:16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! James 1:2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness Meditation: Break my heart O God, burden me for those in need of you. Prayer:Father God I come before you enthroning you as King of my heart, King of my life. God as I am going through this struggle with (person) I ask that you would help my count it for joy. I a may not know the reason why (person) is attacking me but I ask that you give me an extra dose of love to shower over them. In words and action, O God, help me be a light to (person). Reveal his/her/their actions to them. Give them conviction so that they may repent and come to you. I pray that you continue to remind me that vengeance is yours and that I need not get angry or worried about (situation). Please bless (person), show him/her/them your glory, in Jesus Name.

These next couple of days are probably going to be the hardest. These consist of praying for the people or persons that have committed â&#x20AC;&#x153;sins against humanityâ&#x20AC;?. This would include any person or persons of the mass shootings, the beheadings by ISIS, Muslims and the like. You get the point. We cannot extend loving our enemies out to the ones that immediately affect our lives our circle of responsibility if you will. If we are going to live by Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; command of loving your enemy than this is going to include the ones we are really going to hate and want to turn into a monster because they killed innocent lives, little innocent lives. But we must remember they are not demons or monsters they are fellow human beings that need prayer and love. The Jews despised the Romans and if you read your history the Romans were a conquering empire that committed evil against their subjects. Yet Jesus told His disciples to love and bless them, to go the extra mile for them. How much more ought we to do with the ones that commit these travesties. We need to stop dehumanizing them and remember that they have families and experiences that are probably full of pain. So when we see these things take place instead of wishing death and justice, pray that God has mercy on their souls and sends someone that can get through to it. So that at least in their last hours, if they are sentenced, they will be going to the Father, and they will finally be at peace.

C.S. Lewis said “prayer doesn’t change God it changes me” Praying for our enemies opens us up to the working of the Holy Spirit in our heart. “If these actions are the work of monsters and demons, I am powerless to stop them…But if I am dealing with humans, I can have hope. Hope that messages of love and acceptance and peace can be heard. Hope that God can redeem even the worst of sinners.”-Thomas Chistianson

Week 1-Day 6

“Prayer for evil Humans”

Morning Scriptures: John 3:15-16 that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Meditation: Change my heart O God, show me the meaning of compassion. Prayer: You are the risen Savior, You are a wonderful, amazing, and mysterious Father. Who has revealed Himself to mankind by spirit and creation? I come before you honestly and with deep grief and with what I feel toward these people that have committed this bloodshed. I hate them, and I want justice, Father. I want death for death. But, according to your Word You are compassionate and you wish that no man should die without knowing you. So I pray that your will become mine. That you show me compassion, O God. Because it was compassion on the cross that gave humanity a chance, if they so choose, to know their God, it’s the compassion and mercy that saved me. Align my will with yours. I need your help to extend the grace you have given me. God I pray that you bless them with the knowledge of a saving Jesus. I pray for their souls and call them in, O God. I pray for their mental states and for healing and clarity of mind. I pray that you would put people in their lives, even if that includes me, to speak life and love and compassion to them. In Jesus Name Evening scriptures: Matthew 5:46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even the most despised sinners do that. Meditation: Your love covers a multitude of sins

Prayer: My loving and compassionate Father. Show me, show me what it means to love beyond my human emotion and understanding. Show me what agape is. Give me remembrance of the love you showed me, that pulled me into your saving arms. Help me forgive those that commit these actions. Break my heart to show mercy toward them. God give them peace from the tormentor, reveal your love to them. Show them that not everyone is full of hate. In Jesus Name

Week 1- Day 7

“pray for the Muslim pray for ISIS”

Morning Scriptures I John 3:15-16 Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart…. We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters Meditation: As I love you help me love others. Prayer: You are the God of miracles, the great I Am, the breath of life that inspires creation to be. I need a miracle of love working in me toward this group that has declared war on your people. They are confused and are brainwashed in confusion. I pray for the Christians that have to face them God that you would inspire them with the right words at the right moment for this people. God continue to work in me to intercede for them. God I call out blessings to them, that when they see these strange happenings, strange blessings that your love and glory would be revealed to them and that they would fall on their knees declaring you as their Savior. In Jesus Name Evening scriptures I John 4:10 This is real love-not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Meditation: Oh wretched man that I am, I have fallen short, but yet He loves me Prayer: My most loving heavenly father, of whom I am unworthy. Teach me how to love my enemy. My heart says to hate them and my will says to retaliate for their actions. But you sent Your Son Jesus. Who during execution pleaded you to forgive? If this is how my heavenly Father lived on earth than I need to attempt the same. However; I can’t do it without you. For my spirit is willing but my flesh is so weak. So teach me

Lord, Teach me real love. The love you had for me while I was still despicable in your eyes. The love you have for this world. Once again I am asking you to break my heart for them. Father I pray blessings over their lives and their families lives. Bless them with the revelation of Jesus Christ, through visions and dreams. If their children are lacking bless and provide father and somehow let it be known that it was you. In Jesus Name

Love your Neighbor as Yourself By: Suzanne Boudreaux

During the next few weeks we will cover how to love, yet when we think of loving our neighbor, things get a little personal. Who exactly is your neighbor? Some would say the old couple next door, the teenager who rides his bike too close to your car, the grocery store clerk, or even the ladies who walk around the street every afternoon. These are all correct because they are part of our daily lives, but we actually can look deeper into the question and come to realize that everyone is classified as your neighbor. Now this becomes an issue for some of us. How am I to love those who have hurt me? How am I to love those who are mean to me? How can I love those who have lifestyles I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t agree with, or those who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care about knowing Jesus? How can I love a terrorist, a rapist, a thief, or a murderer? These questions play in our head over

and over again, only causing us to become frozen in our tracks instead of loving the unlovable. The phrase “Love your neighbor as yourself” is repeated eight times in scriptures, this is one of the bibles’ most repeated commands. How can I love my neighbor as myself, is a common thought or question also. In a society that twist the truth about one’s self, rather its puffed up pride, self-reassurance through social media, or even a selfish view on life; we have to honestly peel back the lies and look at the truth. Do I love myself to the point that I can love another in the same way? Am I a reflection of My Lord Jesus Christ? When we don’t love ourselves, we are telling God he makes Junk. He isn’t a God to lie, he says you are fearfully and wonderfully made in his image. It is in loving our neighbors, especially the difficult one, which causes us to step out of our selfishness and into a level of humility and compassion. Our love for our neighbor reflects nothing more than our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. During the next week’s prayer journey, we will walk a path of forgiveness and empathy for those who we struggle to love. We will find ourselves broken and reaching for the heart and mind of Christ.

Week 2 Day 1

Loving your Neighbor who has wronged you

Morning scriptures Ephesians 4:31-32 31 Get rid of all hard feelings, anger and rage. Stop all fighting and lying. Don’t have anything to do with any kind of hatred . 32 Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive one another, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done. Matthew 5:43-44 You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Meditation- Even when someone has been hurtful and unkind to me, I must love them by praying, forgiving, and being gentle. My healing from their actions will come in my forgiveness and prayer. Prayer - Father, in your son Jesus name, I am so humbled that you love me even when I have wronged you. You have loved me Lord even when I have walked away from you at different times of my life. I am thankful you kept watch over me and guarded me so I can return to your feet. I come to you today to help me search my heart, I have people who have wronged me and I am struggling to give them the love you would

expect from me. Father, I didn’t deserve your love and I still received it. Father help me to show love to those who hurt those who use me and cause me to anger. Father, flood my mind and heart today with a since of peace because I know your hand is upon my current situation and being frustrated wouldn’t bring glory to the situation. Thank you Father for your Love and protection and guidance. Afternoon scriptures 1 John 4:7-10 7

Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become a child of God and knows God . 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 Here is how God showed his love among us. He sent his one and only Son into the world. He sent him so we could receive life through him. 10 Here is what love is. It is not that we loved God. It is that he loved us and sent his Son to give his life to pay for our sins. Meditation - Those who don’t love don’t know God, love them anyway. Through your loving actions they will see Christ in you and come to know him. Prayer – Father, thank you for using someone in my life to show me your love. Thank you for sending your son to die for me even though I was a sinner. I am thankful for the work you are going to do in my heart this week. Father let me see those who have wronged me the way you see them. Let my heart be burdened for their lives and their eternal condition. Father break my pride and stubbornness to hold on to this grudge. Thank you for my heart is overflowing with the presence of your holy spirit who guides my heart.

Week 2 Day 2

Loving your Neighbor regardless of their Lifestyle

Morning Scripture Leviticus 19:16-18 “ ’16 Do not go about spreading slander among your people.“  ‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord.17“  ‘Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt.18“ ‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. Meditation – My words should only bring Glory to those I speak about. God help my speech to remain positive and hope filled . Prayer -

God, guard my heart and my mouth. Help my words to be filled with love. Help my heart to be a reflection of you. In times that I want to be led into gossip or negative comments please tug at my heart to pull my thoughts and words into an edifying path. Help me to be slow to speak and quick to listen . Help me to keep the thoughts I may feel compelled to share with others between you and I. Thank You Father for the guard you are placing over my heart and mouth. Afternoon Scripture Romans 13:-10 8.Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10Love does no harm to a neighbor, therefore love is the fulfillment of the Law. Meditation- I owe love to all those around me. Prayer – Father, you paid a debt I can never repay, in my repayment of your debt, I owe all my brothers and sisters the same love you gave me. I ask you father that you fill my heart with a love to share amongst my brethren. In Love, I can bring no harm to my neighbor. Father, lead me in my actions that I may be an example to those who are believers and even the non-believers. I am praying for an outpouring of love upon all I encounter. I am praying that my actions be glorifying to you in every way.

Week 2 Day 3 -

Loving Your Neighbor Who is Lost

Morning Scripture 1 Peter 2:12 12 People who don’t believe might say you are doing wrong. But lead good lives among them. Then they will see your good deeds. And they will give glory to God on the day he comes to judge. 1 Peter 3:8 8 Finally, I want all of you to agree with one another. Be understanding. Love one another. Be kind and tender. Be humble. 9 Don’t pay back evil with evil. Don’t pay back unkind words with unkind words. Instead, pay back evil with kind words. This is what you have been chosen to do. You will receive a blessing by doing this.

Meditation – We all are sinners and have a past that God has delivered us from. When we look at others around us we must remember that the same Grace that covered us covers them even in their sin. Prayer - Father, your Grace has covered me in times of despair, anger, rage, and even disbelief. Today I come to you in your son Jesus’s name asking for help to be graceful to those I meet even when they don’t understand the love I have for you. Father I pray for their hearts to become softened and for them to answer when you pull on their hearts. Father I ask that you give me a compassion for the lost and a heart that isn’t judgmental but loving and caring. Father let each encounter with the lost burn in my heart so I put my pride and my fear aside. Father help me to reach those who don’t know you, help me to remember the rejection you faced on the cross for me. Help me to love them even when they aren’t loving to me. Afternoon Scripture Romans 3: 22-26 22 We are made right with God by putting our faith in Jesus Christ. This happens to all who believe. It is no different for the Jews than for the Gentiles. 23 Everyone has sinned. No one measures up to God’s glory. 24 The free gift of God’s grace makes us right with him. Christ Jesus paid the price to set us free. 25 God gave Christ as a sacrifice to pay for sins through the spilling of his blood. So God forgives the sins of those who have faith. God did all this to prove that he does what is right. He is a God of mercy. So he did not punish for their sins the people who lived before Jesus lived. 26 God did all this to prove in our own time that he does what is right. He also makes right with himself those who believe in Jesus.

Romans 5:6-11 6At just the right time Christ died for ungodly people. He died for us when we had no power of our own. 7 It is unusual for anyone to die for a godly person. Maybe someone would be willing to die for a good person. 8 But here is how God has shown his love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 The blood of Christ has made us right with God. So we are even more sure that Jesus will save us from God’s anger. 10 Once we were God’s enemies. But we have been brought back to him because his Son has died for us. Now that God has brought us back, we are even more secure. We know that we will be saved because Christ lives. 11 And that is not all. We are full of joy in God because of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of him, God has brought us back to himself. Matthew 5:14-16 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Also, people do not light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand. Then it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine so others can see it. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will bring glory to your Father who is in heaven. Meditation: God has shown his love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Prayer : Father, In your son Jesus’s name I am completely humbled to know that while I was a sinner , you placed your son in flesh and had him walk the Earth to die for me. He bore every insult, every sickness, every sin, and every pain that I could face in my life. When I look at those around me who don’t yet know you, I must remember that you died for my neighbor too. Father, open my heart to love the lost. Regardless of their sin, their addiction, or their perversion, open my heart to your people and give me the desires to reach them in love and not condemnation.

Week 2 Day 4-

Loving your Neighbor in Need

Morning Scriptures Philippians 2:1-5 1.Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Ephesians 6:7-8 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. Meditation:

I am a servant of Christ, I will value others above myself.

Prayer: Father, I often see those around me suffering and feel an emptiness in the pit of my stomach. I try to be mindful of their past, their situation, what got them to the point of being so needy. I then realize that this isn’t my place to be concerned with how they got to this point but rather that they need my help. Father help me to discern real need in those around me. Help me to have a sensitive spirit to let you lead my thoughts and words through the power of the Holy Spirit. Father help me to serve as you served. Evening scriptures Matthew 25:37-40 37 “Then the people who have done what is right will answer him. ‘Lord,’ they will ask, ‘when did we see you hungry and feed you? When did we see you thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in? When did we see you needing clothes and give them to you? 39 When did

we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘What I’m about to tell you is true. Anything you did for one of the least important of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Meditation: Anything you did for one of the least important of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Prayer: Father, thank you for sending your son Jesus to pay a price for me. Father, I pray that I see each person as you. I serve each person as though I am serving you. Your word tells me that every time I reach our to someone in need I am serving you. Father open my eyes to see the needs of those around me, remove the daily blinders of my schedule and my busyness so I can be sensitive to each need that is placed before me. Father I want to love as you love. Help me to love in a genuine way that reflects you always even on my hardest day.

Week 2 Day 5-

Loving your Neighbor in the Church

Morning scriptures 1 John 4:11-12 11 Dear friends, since God loved us this much, we should also love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love one another, God lives in us. His love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:19-21 19 We love because he loved us first. 20 Suppose someone claims to love God but hates a brother or sister. Then they are a liar. They don’t love their brother or sister, whom they have seen. So they can’t love God, whom they haven’t seen. 21 Here is the command God has given us. Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. Meditation- We love because we were first loved Prayer – Father , sometimes I grow complacent and I see those around me who judge and are bound to the law in their condemnation, help me to reach out to them. Help me father to look at all those with in my church family as broken and in need of you. Regardless of their religious pious and attitudes, they are still my family and my neighbor. Help me father not to compare my walk with you to those who sit besides me and seem to have it all together. Help me to grow and learn your word within the church but also help me to reflect you to all. Sometimes, I feel as though the promise you have for them don’t apply to me and I begin to desire what is their gifting and their promise, help me Father to want to keep my eyes on you and to minister you love to those who love you too. We are a hurting and dying world and we all need you Father .

Afternoon Scriptures Ephesians 4:16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. John 17:20-24 20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one--23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. Meditation: The body is joined as one and grows in love Prayer: Father, help me to see that I am only one small member of the church body. In the church, each of us are using our talents for you Lord. Unite us as one body, that can move in unison and flow together. Guide us Lord, so that we may flourish as a body and be sound, in one accord, free from discord. Lead us to pull together rather than fall apart. Help us to edify each other and work in peace side by side. Help us to guard our Shepherd as he guides his flock. Walk besides us and we grow deeper in you and we abide in your word. Lead us to be a true representation of the body, help us to long for you and flow in love and one accord.

Week 2-Day 6

Loving Your Next door Neighbor

Morning Scriptures John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Meditation: God loved us so much he came upon us and walked amongst us

Prayer: Father, Your mere gift of stepping out of heaven and giving us a chance to see your love in action only shows me that I need to be mindful of loving those around me also. It is just completely life shaking to wrap my understanding around the idea that you amongst all your grandeur chose to come into my life. Father, move in to my neighborhood, move into my neighbor’s life and their daily situations, show them your love by using me. Father, I pray for an awaking in my neighborhood.

Afternoon Scriptures Luke 10:25-37 25. On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”27He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”28“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”29But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two denariie and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’36“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”37The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Meditation: Who is my neighbor? Anyone who I encounter

Prayer: Father, Help me to show a selfless heart like the Samaritan Man. I want to see everyone as my brother and sister. I want to view everyone I meet as important in the eyes of you Lord. At times I look at others in categories and I don’t want to do that. My human nature takes over and begins to try to reason on whom I shall help and not help but today I ask you Lord to birth in me a different prospective. Help me Lord to love all of my neighbors near and far.

Week 2 Day 7

Loving your Neighbor as Yourself

Luke 10:27 He answered, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your strength and all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 7:1-5 1Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck of saw-dust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you Say to your brother,” let me take the speck out of your eye,” When all the time there is a plank in your own eye? Meditation- Love my neighbor as myself, place them before myself in all ways. Prayer- Father, in your son Jesus’s name, I pray that you draw me deeper in my love for you, help me to love you first, help me to love you with all my heart, with all my mind, and all of my soul. Help me to exhibit this love around my neighbors. Help me to recognize the way I love myself and the way I want to be loved. Help me to extend my love to them in a manner that pleases you and draws them closer to you. When they resist you or refuse to know you help me to be gentle with them as you were with me. Help me to love them as you love me.

Afternoon scriptures James 2:8-9, 12-13 8

The royal law is found in Scripture. It says, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” If you really keep this law, you are doing what is right. 9 But you sin if you don’t treat everyone the same. The law judges you because you have broken it. ... 12 Speak and act like people who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom. 13 Those who have not shown mercy will not receive mercy when they are judged. To show mercy is better than to judge. Meditation: Show mercy to all who I encounter, do not judge

Prayer: Father, help me to show mercy to those who I encounter, even when it is difficult. Help me be gracious and reflect on the things of myself that I put first. Help ne to surrender myself desires at the hand of others. Help me to be willing to give more than I take and to love more than I expect in return. Help me to love as I love myself.

By Todd Boudreaux Week 3 Day 1 Morning Scriptures:

Loving your Father

Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you Proverbs 1:8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Meditation Bring honor to your family name through obedience to your earthly Father. Prayer: Hevenly Father I pray in the name of Jesus, lead me as I walk through this world. Help me to walk worthy of the calling you have placed upon me. Guide me in my quest to bring honor to my family. Instill in me the humbleness to accept correction from my father when I have been wrong. Open my heart and mind to absorb the teachings from my mother. Afternoon Scriptures:

Ephesians 6:1-2 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promiseEphesians 3:14-15 For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. Meditation: Obedience is better than sacrifice. Prayer: Lord I pray in the name of Jesus that you would help me to be obedient to my parents whom you have placed in authority over me. Help me receive the instruction from my father with a cheerful heart. Help me to learn the lessons I need to learn to remain on the narrow path.

Week 3 Day 2

Loving your Mother

Morning Scriptures: Proverbs 31:28-29 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Genesis 33:5 Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. “Who are these with you?” he asked. Jacob answered, “They are the children God has graciously given your servant.” Meditation: Blessed are those with a Godly mother. Prayer: Father, I pray in the name of Jesus that you would help me to love you first, so I can love my mother in the manner that she deserves. Help me Father to be a blessing to her. Father, let me honor her for the life she gave me and the love she has provided

me. I thank you Lord, for my Mother and for the sacrafices she has given each day to honor you by loving me. Afternoon Scriptures: Genesis 2:18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Ephesians 6:1-2 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise-

Meditation: Blessed is the one who brings honor to his mother. Prayer: Father I pray in the name of Jesus that you would help me to bring honor and joy to my mother. Father I pray that my mother would have restful night and not sleepless nights due to my folly and Father help me to care for her needs as she ages and can no longer care for herself much like she cared for me as a child when I was young and could not care for myself.

Week 3 Day 3

Loving your Spouse

Morning Scriptures: Genesis 2: 20-24 But for Adam[f] no suitable helper was found. 21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs[g] and then closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib[h] he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” 24.That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Meditation:Blessed is he who finds a help mate.

Prayer: Father I pray in the name of Jesus that you would help me to love you above all else, so I can properly love my spouse. Father I know my love appears as hate next to your love. Father show me how to love my spouse in a way that is honoring to you. Afternoon Scriptures : Psalm 128:3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Colossians 3:18-20 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 1 Timothy 3:2-5 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s church?) Meditation: Love your wife as Christ loved the church. Prayer: Father I pray in the name of Jesus that you would help me to take my place as the spiritual head of my family. Equip me to lead my wife and guide her always to the cross of Christ. Empower me to be ready to lay my life down for her when I am called to do so.

Week 3 Day 4

Loving your Children

Morning Scriptures: Proverbs 15:20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. Proverbs 22:6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Meditation: Children are a gift from God to be cherished .

Prayer: Father, Thank you for placing children in my life. I ask that you continue to show me glimpses of their love for you in their daily smiles and giggles. I have learned how to love by watching them love me. I feel that I learn how to love by knowing you love me too. I know some days are difficult and overwhelming but as much as they need me , I need them even more. Father, I just want to honor you in their upbring and their knowledge of your truth. I pray that their lives will bring you glory and that I fulfill my duty as their parent. I want nothing more than to pour the word into their lives that they may never fall away from you Lord. Afternoon Scriptures: Psalm 127:3-5 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Meditation: Children are a Heritage from the Lord Prayer: Father, how beautiful is the heart of a child. You tell us in your word that we should come to you with the heart of a child. I look at my children and try to place myself back into the same mindset and I am at awe at the faith they have in me as a parent to always care for them and provide. The faith they have that I can help walk them through all their fears. I watch them need me and love me unconditionally. I pray that the see its not me but you who is fighting off all their fears, providing all their needs, supplying their safty. Father , I am so humbled when I see their boldness to stand before Giants and their heart pounding to know you more. I thank you for the desires you place in their heart but mostly because you have placed them in my life. You have given them to me to raise in this world. You have entrusted them to me so I can guide them to you . Father help me to guide them in your way .

Week 3 Day 5

Loving your hosehold

Morning Scriptures: Joshua 24:15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.â&#x20AC;?

Proverbs 12:7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm. Meditation: As for me and my house we will serve the Lord Prayer: Father, I know it isnt your will that a house be divided spiritually, today I take a stand for everyone in my home to serve you to their fullest. I pray that they walk in the authority of your son Jesus Christ. I pray that they pray for the sick, lay hands on the infirm and witness mighty miracles in Jesus’s Name. I pray that they love you first and seek your kingdom for all its righteousness. I thank you Father for their gifts and talents that will enable them to walk out their calling to preach the Gospel. I pray that they remain strong reguardless of the conflict and that they lift your holy name.

Afternoon Scriptures: 2 Chronicles 20:13 All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord. 1 Timothy 5:8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever Meditation: Stand firm for all of your relatives, leasing them toward Christ. Prayer: Father I pray for all of the households that are a part of my bloodline. I pray that they all come to know your love and provision. I ask that you make their homes houses of prayer and the Word. I pray that their lives are a reflection of your son Jesus Christ and they testify to your goodness. I pray that their families draw close together and don’t have discord. I pray that there is unity amoungst the family that cannot be broken because Jesus unites them as one. I thank you Lord for the might acts that are occuring in my family and are yet to come.

Week 3 Day 6

Loving your Grandchildren

Morning Scriptures: Psalm 103:17 But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—

Deuteronomy 6:2 and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the LORD your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. Proverbs 13:22 Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Meditation: Grandchildren are a perfect gift from the Lord Prayer: Father, I pray for my children’s children that they come to know you and serve you . I pray that they reap the fruit of my Labor. I pray that your hand of protection remains upon them and that they are strong in their knowledge of you . I pray that they are hidden from the enemy’s schemes and are allowed to flurish and stand for what is right in your eyes. I speak blessinf over them spiritually, physically and fiancially. I pray that they are servants that exhibit your love. Afternoon Scriptures: Proverbs 17:6 Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly, and the pride of sons is their fathers. Psalm 128:5-6 May the LORD continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live. May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. May Israel have peace! Isaiah 59:21-22 “As for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the LORD. “My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants– from this time on and forever,” says the LORD. “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. Meditation: I will live long enough to watch my grandchildren live radically for Christ . Prayer: Father, I am believing that through my grandchildren, many will come to know you . my descendents will profess your name and bow to you as their lord and savior. I thank you Lord for the mighty calling you will place over their lives. I thank you for the lives they will lead to you through their lips professing your Gospel. Father, use them to shake a nation for your Glory.

Week 3 Day 7

Loving your Heriatge from the Lord

Morning Scriptures: Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Ephesians 1:3-6 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Meditation: Father fill me with your spirit until I’m overflowing. Prayer: Father I come to you with praise and thanksgiving. Thanking you for the sacrifice you’ve made to grant me salvation. Thank you Father for choosing me to be your servant. Father help me to always be a reflection of your Kingdom to everyone I encounter. Afternoon Scriptures: Galatians 4:4-7 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Romans 8:22-23 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 9:4 …the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises.

Meditation: There is freedom in Christ Jesus. Prayer: Father I pray in the name of Jesus that when others see me that they see you. Father I thank you that you delivered me from the bounds of the law. Thank you Father that you sent Jesus to fulfill a law I could not fulfill. I will praise you for all of my days.

. God’s Love By: Michael Valentine

Week 4- DAY 1

FATHERLY LOVE

Morning Devotion: In the morning, gather together in a private location together (i.e. your church, small group location, or even your own home) and say together

(+) We come together in unity and one mind, only through the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Read the following out loud in unison Scripture verse: Isaiah 64:8 “O Lord you are our Father. We are the clay; you are the potter; we are the work of your hands.” Have everyone read this verse out loud together. Then, as a group have everyone meditate for five minutes about the Father and what he has done in their lives.

Morning Prayer: Father God, I thank you for your vast love that overwhelms my soul when I make mistakes. Surely you have formed and known every bit of who I am and that whatever you have done in me is for your glory. May I never forget about the great love you have bestowed upon me throughout my entire life. Let my heart cry Abba! At the very thought of your love. Let us embrace your love this morning with exuberance, never forgetting whom our Father is. Evening Devotion: In the evening, gather together in a private location together (i.e. your church, small group location, or even your own home) and say together (+) We come together in unity and one mind, only through the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Read the following out loud in unison

Scripture verse: 1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God!

As a group, have everyone read it out loud. Then, have everyone spread out and quietly meditate on the Fathers love that he calls them His child. Then, come together and have someone read the devotion.

Evening Prayer: Oh gracious Father, thank you for calling me your child. May I never stop praising you for the love you have given me to be called your child. I pray, please allow your child to rest tonight in your loving arms and may I have dreams of your wonderful plans for me.

Week 4 - day 2

ACCESS to the Father

Morning Devotion In the morning, gather together in a private location together (i.e. your church, small group location, or even your own home) and say together (+) We come together in unity and one mind, only through the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Read the following out loud in unison Scripture Verse: Ephesians 3:15 Through Christ we… have access to the Father by one Spirit. After Meditating on God’s Word, have everyone discuss one thing they are thankful about having access to the Father. Have someone mature in Christ lead in the prayer afterwards. Morning Prayer: Father God, thank you for this morning that because of your Son Jesus I have access to speak to you. Please help me to never forget nor misuse the access of your presence and knowing your heart. Let me walk today in access of not only your presence, but your love as well, that I may show it to others all around me. Evening Devotion: In the evening, gather together in a private location together (i.e. your church, small group location, or even your own home) and say together (+) We come together in unity and one mind, only through the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Read the following out loud in unison Scripture Verse: John 15:16 The Father will give you whatever you ask in Jesus’ name.

After reading God’s Word, as a group, or alone, meditate for a while on the gift of having access to the Father, then come together and discuss the times that you have asked the Father for something you needed and he provided.

Evening Prayer: Father God, thank you for the access I have in you. You have blessed me beyond measure with your amazing love and provision. I pray that whatever I ask this week, according to your will, and in your Son’s name will it be done.

Week 4- day 3

CARETAKER

Morning Prayer: God, we thank you so much that you are our Father and we are so overwhelmed with awe that you would desire to be a Father to us when we have done wrong to you. In the moments of our lives when no one was there, you were! Help us today to walk in your love and admire that you are truly a father to the fatherless. Evening Devotion: In the evening, gather together in a private location together (i.e. your church, small group location, or even your own home) and say together (+) We come together in unity and one mind, only through the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Read the following out loud in unison Scripture Verse: Matthew 6:26 “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

After reading God’s word, have everyone in the room separate and meditate on the depth of how valued they are by Father God. Once five minutes have passed, come together and have someone lead the prayer. Evening Prayer: Father God, we thank you for your word and how much you value us. Just as you provide for the birds, we ask that you will provide for us with whatever we need. We know that whatever we ask in your Son’s name you will generously give and we praise you for it. Please give us this evening a restful sleep tonight when we lie our heads down.

Week 4 –Day four

The Sonship

After reading God’s word, individually meditate on the Father’s wondrous love that enables you to cry Abba, Father to him. Once done, read the Morning Prayer. Morning Prayer: God, thank you for the Spirit of sonship. Thank you that I do not have to be afraid anymore, but because of your great love I can walk in fullness of joy and peace through you. I pray today that when people see my joy, they will see you and your love inside of me. Let me be a shining light and a vessel for your glory today.

Evening Devotion: In the evening, gather together in a private location together (i.e. your church, small group location, or even your own home) and say together (+) We come together in unity and one mind, only through the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Read the following out loud in unison

Scripture Verse: Ephesians 1:3-5 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us…. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his children.” As a group, begin going around the room and thanking God for adopting you as his child. Once finished have someone read the evening prayer

Evening Prayer: Oh glorious Father, how you have never strayed away from us, but in all things have been by our side. Let your wonder and glory make us in awe at the very thought of you. Let us never stop singing your praises for all the things you have done. Let us never stop telling people of the great love we have in our Father. Thank you for your mighty love to even consider adopting us as your children. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Week 4- Day 5

Merciful Father

After reading Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s word, as a group, meditate on someone whom you feel you need to be merciful to, then thank God for revealing his heart to you. After, read the prayer in unison. Prayer: Father God, we thank you for your word and your Spirit for opening our eyes to your truth. We ask and pray that you will help us to love our enemies and to be merciful just as you are merciful. Thank you loving Father for all that you have done, your mercy is beyond compare. We also ask that you will open our enemyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes to your love and truth out of your great mercy for them as well. In Jesus name, Amen. Evening Devotion: In the evening, gather together in a private location together (i.e. your church, small group location, or even your own home) and say together (+) We come together in unity and one mind, only through the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Read the following out loud in unison

Scripture Verse: Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved As a group, meditate on God’s mercy and grace upon your life, then imagine where you would be without him, then thank him for revealing himself to you. Have someone read the prayer.

Evening Prayer: Thank you Father God that you are so rich in mercy and love. If it wasn’t for your love, grace, and mercy I truly do not know where I would be in life. I pray that I will not take advantage of your grace and mercy, but that through them I can share your Son Jesus with others.

Week 4 –Day 6

My REDEEMER

Scripture Verse: Isaiah 63:9 In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years.

As a group, discuss with one another situations throughout your lives of how God has redeemed and carried you through some situations. Once ever goes, have someone read the prayer.

Morning Prayer: Father God, you are so good to us and just the very thought of your love for us makes us stop in wonder and amazement. Thank you that through your love we are redeemed by you and that throughout our lives we can lean on you no matter what. We give you our burdens today and ask that you lift us up in areas of our lives and carry us out of the situations that you do not see fit in our lives. Thank you oh loving and merciful One. Let us never stop thanking you for the redeeming power of your great love and mercy for us. Evening Devotion: In the evening, gather together in a private location together (i.e. your church, small group location, or even your own home) and say together (+) We come together in unity and one mind, only through the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Read the following out loud in unison

Scripture Verse: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. As a group, meditate for five minutes and truly thank of his expounding love that he would even consider loving sinners like us. Have someone read the prayer afterwards. Evening Prayer: It blows my mind Father that you would love me so much to even consider sending your Son down to Earth to die for me. Why oh God would you even consider a sinner like me? You are perfect in all of your ways, lacking in nothing and rich in everything that is perfect and good! Please oh God, allow us to fall deep into your love that we can share that exact love with others.

Week 4-day 7

Deep Love of the Father

Monday Devotion In the morning, gather together in a private location together (i.e. your church, small group location, or even your own home) and say together (+) We come together in unity and one mind, only through the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Read the following out loud in unison

Scripture Verse: Psalm 31:21 Praise the Lord, for he has shown me the wonders on his unfailing love. He kept me safe while my city was under attack Individually, think about the times how crazy people on his unfailing love. Then have someone read the prayer.

Morning Prayer: Thank you Father for the depths of your great love for us. The wonders and depth of your great love is beyond thought! How could anyone say they know of the depths of your love? Allow us this morning Father God to praise you today in the good times and the bad. Regardless, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about you and your love.

Scripture Verse: Romans 8:37-39

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rules, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor death, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus Our Lord.

As a group, for the final night, have everyone group in a circle while holding hands and pray for the person on their left. Then thank the Father for his unfailing love for us. Have someone read the final prayer. Evening Prayer: Thank you Father for your amazing love and your amazing word. I truly do know that nothing will ever stop you from loving me and I am so appreciative of it. Let us love you and be thankful for your amazing love. Your love is what moves us and keeps us going, please helps us to finish out strong by showing the same love youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve given us to those who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know you.

We pray that you have found yourself drawing deeper with the Lord in the past weeks of this prayer and meditation time.