My desire to grow beyond a mere acquaintance with You, my Savior, is amplified by meditative reflection on the cross. Let the intensity of my affection be worthy of heaven. Let it not be tainted by religious fervor that lacks heart substance. Rather, let my obedience be responsive love, not begrudging duty. There is a celestial joy in fellowship with You that defies explanation. Expose the depths of Your heart to me, Lord. Take me where I can find refuge from life’s perplexities. Daily, may I reach for You in prayer. If the soil of my heart is neglected, it will become barren-a tangled mess of thorns and briars. Keep me untangled by weaving the truth of Your Word into the fabric of my life. Only Your Spirit can open my understanding. The breadth of Your love is so far-reaching, Lord, that I wish to offer You all of my heart, not holding anything back. For the warm tenderness of Your sacrifice, let me not offer a cold, unresponsive heart. To Your generous invitation to live life to its fullest, let me not respond too late. There is far more to be grateful for than to be fretful of. You are more than a mere acquaintance, Jesus. You are my rock and my salvation. Under the blessing of Your perfect Word in Jeremiah 31:2-4 and the authority of Christ, I bow in prayer.

Thus says the Lord:
“The people who survived the sword
    found grace in the wilderness;
when Israel sought for rest,
the Lord appeared to him from far away.
I have loved you with an everlasting love;
    therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
Again I will build you, and you shall be built,
    O virgin Israel!
Again you shall adorn yourself with tambourines
    and shall go forth in the dance of the merrymakers.
Jeremiah 31:2-4, NIV