When I got into my little quiet corner to have my prayer time this morning, I felt as though I ought to do something a little different. I sometimes feel my prayers have become kind of repetitive (there are so many on-going needs). I want them to be more of a time of real interaction between me and the Lord. I find it very difficult to sit quietly and keep my mind from running down a dozen different rabbit trails while I try to listen to what the Lord wants to say to me. I am way too verbal.
So I thought that instead of running down the list of needs today (I know that's important too), I would just give the Lord praise and thanks. As I prayed, it turned into a list of reasons I love Him:
I love Him because before the foundations of the world He chose me. That just boggles my mind. He, who is so Holy, chose me - with all my failings and weaknesses.
I love Him because He first loved me. I sometimes feel so unlovely, but He loves me just the same.
I love Him because He gave what was most precious to Him so that I could spend eternity with Him. I, who have had the priceless gift of knowing Him since I was a little girl - and held the gift too lightly. I think that is the danger of being raised in a Christian home and the challenge for those of us raising children in a Christian home. It can become so familiar, we don't realize its value until life pushes us around a little bit.
I love Him because He is so creative. His artwork and His music and His writing are just second to none!
I love Him because He loves me enough to discipline me.
I love Him because He gives my life purpose and meaning and hope.
I love Him because He has a plan for my life - a plan to prosper and not to harm me.
I love Him because He holds me with His strong right hand and has promised that nothing can ever separate me from Him.
I love Him because His word is true and life-changing. His promises never fail.
I love Him because He draws me to Himself. He bends down to hear my prayers. He is never farther away than my next breath.
I love Him for the grace He has extended to me no matter how many times I mess up in the same old way.
I love Him because He fills my heart with peace and joy.
I love Him because He cries with me and laughs with me.
I love Him because I know without a shadow of a doubt that He is trustworthy.
I love Him because for Him nothing is impossible.
I love Him because He is so wise and because I will never be able to put Him in the box of my limited understanding.
I love Him with all my heart.

Blessings,
Linda