When you are reading this, we will be in the month the world and Hallmark celebrate LOVE. LOVE is Everywhere!

Isn’t it a wonderful feeling knowing, we as Christians are celebrating LOVE Every Day! We have a Father that Loves Us, actually Adores Us! It’s a comforting feeling knowing He Knows Us and Loves Us UNCONDITIONALLY! Wow! Read those words again. He knows Us and Loves Us UNCONDITIONALLY. (“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV)

Why am I beginning a Prayer Matters letter with Love? What does Love have to do with my everyday prayer life? What does being Loved Unconditionally have to do with Prayer? My brothers and sisters in Christ, it has everything to do with it. Have you ever sat quietly with God, speaking no words, just waiting to hear from Him? Some dear friends of mine have begun doing this together every morning, 15 minutes and so I have now began doing this and I’d encourage you to do this, as well. Believe me, it’s not easy at the beginning; we are worldly people…Busy lives, busy minds! God gives us Unconditional Love which translates into Forgiveness. We Love others so we Pray for them and over them. We Love ourselves so we Pray for ourselves and our personal needs. We need to forgive as God forgives us. Forgiveness is a gift to ourselves. Forgiveness is about our heart and less about the heart of the one who needs our Forgiveness. I ask you to Pray over and release the burden that is holding you back from Forgiveness. I promise you, you will walk lighter and guess what God LOVES that! May we all be humbly and shakingly reminded of these words from the Cross, the words from the Man who SAVED US! (Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 NIV)

As Christians we are so incredibly blessed to have the gift of prayer. We can pray anywhere, anytime. That is incredible. I recently mentioned this in a conversation that having a solid prayer life gives us power of circumstances that could leave us powerless. We can take everything to Our Lord in Prayer; it doesn’t get any better than that! When our friends or loved ones are going through earthly battles (you name it) and you ask what can I do and they say “Nothing”. That’s our cue to Pray! Pray! Pray! (“pray continually.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

A bit of trivia: (for those of you that don’t know, I love trivia!)

The Bible, which I refer to as the Book of Love. His Word. The word “love” and its variations and translations appear over 700 times. The word “pray” and its variations appear over 400 times. So, I don’t know about you but I think Prayer Matters!

We begin our journey through Lent this month on Ash Wednesday, February 18^th. Together, let us be reminded of Christs journey for US! He LOVES US and He PRAYS for US. Let’s do the same for one another. 

Gracious and Loving Father, be with my brothers and sisters in Christ, the Faith Family you have given to me. I pray for Your abundant blessings, protection, and guidance over each of them today. Strengthen our faith, reminding us of Your promises. Fill us with Your perfect peace that surpasses all understanding. Empower us to live lives worthy of Your calling, becoming examples of Your love. May our faith grow abundantly and our love for one another increase, all for Your Glory. Amen.

Happy Valentine’s Day! As a gift to yourself, eat the chocolate, enjoy the flowers, give yourself 15 minutes to add a time for prayer and devotion. You don’t have to give up anything for Lent; Gain time with Our Lord.

Peace in Christ,

Your Sister in Christ, Pam Di Sarro