Day 15: Loving God
Day 15: Loving God
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
—Deuteronomy 6:4-6
This text is famously known as THE SHEMA, “The Hear”. SHEMA is a mashing together of two significant ideas: Hear and Obey. There is no word for just “Hearing” alone. So, when Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey me, he was implying SHEMA.” It is interesting to note that in chapter 5, immediately before the SHEMA was the giving of the Ten Commandments.
For thousands of years, Jewish people have prayed these well-known words every morning and evening as a way of expressing their love for God. The text goes on to pile on three emotional filled “All” statements: “ALL your heart, ALL your soul, ALL your might.” How would they demonstrate their love? By “Hearing” the Ten Commandments!
For thousands of years, Jewish people have prayed these well-known words every morning and evening as a way of expressing their love for God. The text goes on to pile on three emotional filled “All” statements: “ALL your heart, ALL your soul, ALL your might.” How would they demonstrate their love? By “Hearing” the Ten Commandments!
Prayer Focus:
Pray that God would help you “SHEMA” Him completely, and help you to love Him with every part of your being—heart, soul, and strength. Lord, please show me areas in my life where I am holding back and give me a wholehearted love for you.
“God, I want to love you with a love you’ve never been loved with before.” – Mother Teresa.
“God, I want to love you with a love you’ve never been loved with before.” – Mother Teresa.
Reflection:
Take some time to reflect on what it means to love God with your entire being. God calls us to love Him fully, not partially. This week, focus on deepening your love for God by spending more time in His presence, studying His Word, and aligning your actions with His will. What is one step you can take today to strengthen your love for God?
Posted in 21 Days of Prayer