“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Holy Spirit in each petition of love from Corinthians, I see how far I fall short of the greatest virtue. Jesus is the perfection of Love – Jesus IS love.
So, I ask, Come Holy Spirit, give me the heart of Jesus that I may love like God.
Love is patient – Holy Spirit, I have not been patient with Your timing when I pray. I often fall short with patience toward Your children, and myself. Give me a heart of patience.
Love is kind – Holy Spirit, I am called to be kind to my spouse, my children, co-workers, friends and those along the road. I so often let my temper and judgment fall upon Your children. Give me a kind heart.
Love is not jealous – Holy Spirit, I seek to be seen over others and when they are receiving Your gifts before me, i often become upset. Give me a humble heart which seeks joy in Your childrens’ accomplishments in Your Kingdom.
Love is not boastful – Holy Spirit, I am called to have a humble heart, centered on Your glory and Your Kingdom, yet, so often, I fall into pride and vainglory, seeking myself over even You. Give me a heart that glories in You.
Love is not arrogant – Holy Spirit, I so often look out upon Your Kingdom and gifts with great pride of what I’ve accomplished. Give me a heart centered in humble joy of Your Kingdom not mine.
Love is not rude – Holy Spirit, how often I find myself rudely, sarcastically thinking of and in how I speak to Your children? Behind their back or to their face, I share a rude spirit not one of love. Give me a courteous and polite heart.
Love is not self- seeking – Holy Spirit, how often I seek my own glory and fame? How often I tell You the way things ought to be? Give me a heart focused upon Your Will and to put others ahead of me.
Holy Spirit, give me a heart that is fully focused upon You. Center my mind, spirit and soul upon the path of light that leads to Your glory. Let me glorify You in the way I love.
Amen