I Love You, Lord

I love you, Lord, my strength.

(Psalm 18:1)

"I love you, Lord."

I speak those words from my heart, O God.

When I awaken, and when I sleep,

and every hour in between,

I love you.

I love you, Lord,

because you have first loved me.

You have loved me faithfully,

  and unconditionally,

  and lavishly,

  and graciously,

  and eternally.

You, Lord – 

  who have given me life, abundant life;

  who have walked with me through trials;

  who have delivered me from trouble;

  who have blessed me with family;

  who have provided for me;

  who have been with me always – 

you, Lord, I love.

I love you, Lord,

because you have first loved me.

You gave your Son

to me

and to the whole world.

In him you have given me

eternal life.

I love you, Lord,

and to you I give my life.

"Take my life, and let it be 

consecrated, Lord, to thee."

Take me, use me, I pray.

Make me an instrument of your

  healing,

    grace,

      mercy,

        justice,

          steadfast love,

        compassion,

      comfort,

    hope,

  peace.

I love you, Lord, my strength.

Amen.

During the season of Lent, I am "Praying with David," using prayer from the psalms as inspiration for personal prayers.