Trust is that rare and priceless treasure that wins us the affection of our heavenly Father.
Brennan ManningRead
Prayer is first and foremost an act of love
Interpretation
Prayer is primarily a way to express love toward others and God.
Brennan Manning's quote emphasizes that at its core, prayer is rooted in love. It is not merely a ritual or a request for assistance; instead, it serves as a profound expression of care, connection, and affection for oneself, others, and the divine. Prayer transforms into an intimate act that cultivates a deeper relationship with the world around us and nurtures our spirit.
In practice
In a sermon about the importance of spiritual practices, one might say, 'As Brennan Manning reminds us, prayer is first and foremost an act of love.'
Trust is that rare and priceless treasure that wins us the affection of our heavenly Father.
The sinners to whom Jesus directed His messianic ministry were not those who skipped morning devotions or Sunday church. His ministry was to those whom society considered real sinners. They had done nothing to merit salvation. Yet they opened themselves to the gift that was offered them. On the other hand, the self-righteous placed their trust in the works of the Law and closed their hearts to the message of grace.
There is the "you" that people see and then there is the "rest of you". Take some time and craft a picture of the "rest of you." This could be a drawing, in words, even a song. Just remember that the chances are good it will be full of paradox and contradictions.
Do you honestly believe God likes you, not just loves you because theologically God has to love you?
Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement, and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors. No evil can resist grace forever.
For Ragamuffins, God's name is Mercy. We see our darkness as a prized possession because it drives us into the heart of God. Without mercy our darkness would plunge us into despair - for some, self-destruction. Time alone with God reveals the unfathomable depths of the poverty of the spirit. We are so poor that even our poverty is not our own: It belongs to the mysterium tremendum of a loving God.
Life with you was lovelyβand when I say lovely, I mean doves and lilies, and velvet, and that soft pink βvβ in the middle and the way your tongue curved up to the long, lingering βl.β Our life together was alliterative, and when I think of all the little things which will die, now that we cannot share them, I feel as if we were dead too.
Never love a wild thing...If you let yourself love a wild thing. You'll end up looking at the sky.
Now a soft kiss - Aye, by that kiss, I vow an endless bliss.
The charms of the passing woman are generally in direct proportion to the swiftness of her passing.
Love is like the wild rose-briar; Friendship like the holly-tree. The holly is dark when the rose-briar blooms, but which will bloom most constantly?
Of all the errands life seems to be running, of all the mysteries that enchant us, love is my favorite
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