Lord, illuminate my heart and mind to how deep and wide is your love for me.
Option 1:
Scripture: Psalm 139:1-18
Reflection: During this week look back on your life and consider how God has been present. Begin to create a Spiritual Timeline starting in childhood.[1] Are there times in retrospect that you can see God’s hand in your life, perhaps in ways you didn’t notice before?
Song: If I Flee on Morning Wings
Option 2:
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Colossians 3:9-14
Reflection: Continue to work on your Timeline. What do you notice in today’s Scripture readings about how God is continuing to “create” you even now?
Option 3:
Scripture: 1 John 4:12
Reflection: This passage states we can know something about God’s love by the love we have for each other (v. 12). Contemplate a time when you felt deeply loved by another. How does this help you to understand how God loves you?
Option 4:
Scripture: Romans 5:6-11; Luke 6:32-36; Titus 3:3-8
Reflection: Based on these readings, what kind of people does God love? Have you ever wondered whether or not God really loves you? How might these verses speak truth to replace those doubts?
Option 5:
Reflection: Think of one or more people for whom you have experienced a deep Christ-like love (e.g. a child, friend, person in need). Slowly play those moments back in your mind. Intentionally reflect on what it feels like to love another deeply. Then transfer those feelings to God. Imagine God has those strong feelings of love for you. How does that affect you?
Option 6:
Scripture: Romans 8:31-39 or Ephesians 3:14-21
Reflection: On a piece of paper write one or both of these passages inserting yourself as the recipient (e.g. “me” or your name). Read it out loud. What do you notice about the way God engages with you?
Reviewing the Week:
Look back on the past week. What stands out to you the most as you have prayed and reflected on how God sees you? Talk with God about the different things you have noticed and felt.
________________________________
[1] The idea for a Spiritual Timeline comes from Creighton University’s adaptation of the Exercises (Andy Alexander, SJ, Maureen McCann Waldron, Larry Gillick, SJ, Retreat in the Real World: Finding Intimacy with God Wherever You Are [Chicago: Loyola Press, 2009] 1-15).