Image: Getty Images

Every Wednesday we invite you to pause and pray with us. Today’s Pause & Pray was written and curated by Seonwoo Lee.

Pray:

“Prayer for Loving Each Other”
Dear God, in Your infinite love and wisdom, guide us to love one another as You have loved us. Teach us the true meaning of kindness, and imbue our hearts with the strength to offer compassion and understanding in all our interactions. Let us extend Your unconditional love, not just in words, but through our actions and thoughts. May our hearts become a reflection of Your boundless love, actively reaching out to those around us, breaking down barriers of indifference, and building bridges of fellowship in Your holy name. Help us to embody the love You have shown us, so that we may be a beacon of Your warmth and light in this world. In the grace and love of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Meditate:

As we ponder upon John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another,” let us deeply consider the profoundness of this directive. How can we truly embody this commandment in our everyday lives? In what ways can we express this love in our actions, words, and thoughts? Love, as taught by Christ, is an active and living force. It challenges us to look beyond ourselves, to see the needs of others, and to respond with empathy and care. It invites us to create a community where every individual is valued and respected. As we navigate through our daily lives, let us be mindful of how our interactions, even the smallest of gestures, can be a testament to this divine commandment of love. How can we make our homes, workplaces, and communities more reflective of this all-encompassing love? Let these reflections guide us towards a more compassionate and loving way of living.

Listen:

“Awake, Awake to Love and Work” from United Church at University Place