Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always   perseveres.

– I Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

Lord,

Because love is patient …
Help me to be slow to judge, but quick to listen.
Hesitant to criticize, but eager to encourage,
remembering your endless patience with me.

Because love is kind …
Help my words to be gentle and my actions to be thoughtful. Remind me to smile and to say "Please" and "Thank You" because those little things still mean so much.

Because love does not envy or boast, and it is not proud …
Help me have a heart that is humble and sees the good in others. May I celebrate and appreciate all that I have and all that I am, as well as  doing the same for those around me.

Because love is not rude or self-seeking …
Help me to speak words that are easy on the ear and on the heart. When I’m tempted to get wrapped up in my own little world, remind me there’s a great big world out there full of needs and hurts.

Because love is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs …
Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. When I want to hold on to a grudge, gently help me release it so I can reach out with a hand of love instead.

Because love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth …
Help me stand up for what is right and good. May I defend the defenseless, and help the helpless. Show me how I can make a difference.

Because love always protects and always trusts …
Help me to be a refuge for those around me. When the world outside is harsh and cold, may my heart be a place of acceptance and warmth.

Finally, because love perseveres …
Help my heart continually beat with love for You and others. Thank you for this day when we celebrate love, and for showing us what that word really means. 

Amen.

     I found this prayer/poem on tndeb47.blogspot.com. The blogger did not know its author, but I  liked it and felt it especially appropriate for St. Valentine’s Day and really EVERY day for Christians. Jesus told us that all the commandments could be boiled down to two: love God completely and then love everyone else. How much love and respect are you showing God? How are you showing love to your family? To your friends? To acquaintances? To complete strangers you come in contact with? To people you will never meet? We have some wonderful opportunities this month at Wesley to help you answer all those questions. I pray you’ll take advantage of worship on Sundays and Ash Wednesday and that your entire family will attend Sunday School. I pray you will offer up cans of soup and diapers for your Vinton neighbors and give generously to the Henderson Settlement as well as saving items for the Mission Stitchers. Showing love is part of our call as Christians and it’s rather invigorating!

Serving the God of Love with You,                                                                              

Pastor Kären