Category: Devotional

Meditating on God’s love will fill you to the fullness of God.

Day 43

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in the fatherly Abba love that DELIGHTS IN ME.

You find pleasure in me as I walk in your holy ways. As a believer in Jesus, I am clothed with him, justified and sanctified in him, and therefore you can delight in me even as you delight in Jesus.

I praise you, Lord, that I am your beloved child, with whom you are well pleased, in whom your soul delights, over whom you rejoice with singing. (Matthew 3:17; Isaiah 42:1; Zephaniah 3:17 personalized)

Day 44

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in the fatherly Abba love that wants me to CARRY YOUR IDENTITY.

When you infused your identity into my human nature, it was an act of love. In love, you want to pass your glory on to me and see your own glory in me.

I praise you, Lord, that you created me in your own image; in the image of God you created me. I can put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. I can be holy, for you are holy. Someday I will be perfect, as my heavenly Father is perfect (Genesis 1:27; Ephesians 4:24; 1 Peter 1:16; Matthew 5:48 personalized)

Day 45

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in the fatherly Abba love that DISCIPLINES ME.

In love you seek my good even when it requires temporarily bringing me pain. You know that temporary pain saves me from eternal pain, that some pain saves me from far greater pain, that much good can come from some bad. In love you discipline me with long-term wisdom.

I praise you, Lord, that you discipline me for my good, that I may share in your holiness. You are treating me as a beloved son. So I choose to endure hardship as discipline, to be subject to the Father of my spirit and live. (Hebrews 12:6, 7, 9, 10 personalized)

Day 46

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in the fatherly Abba love that PROTECTS ME.

You carefully watch over your children. You are my refuge, my shield, my fortress, my security. So I can trust in you and never fear.

Glory to you, Lord, for I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus my Lord. (Romans 8:38–39 personalized) You are faithful to strengthen me and protect me from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3 personalized)

Day 47

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in the fatherly Abba love that LEAVES ME YOUR INHERITANCE.

You want to give me all you own. As your child, I have a rightful claim to my heavenly Father’s kingdom and possessions, and you will ensure I receive what is rightfully mine.

I give joyful thanks to you, Father, for you have qualified me to share in the inheritance of your holy people in the kingdom of light. (Colossians 1:12 personalized) I praise you, heavenly Father, that all things are mine, whether the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are mine, and I am Christ’s, and Christ is God’s. (1 Corinthians 3:21–23 personalized)

Jeremiah 9:23–24: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.’” (ESV)

Meditating on God’s love will fill you to the fullness of God.

Day 36

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in TEACHING LOVE.

In love, you offer the priceless gift of knowledge and wisdom in all the subjects that matter most. To receive your teaching is to get counsel from the wisest, best-informed person in the universe on how to live my life in the best possible way for the greatest possible happiness and everlasting glory.

I praise you, O God, that you will instruct me and teach me in the way I should go; you will counsel me with your eye upon me; for your steadfast love surrounds me as I trust in you. I determine that I will not be like a horse or mule, animals without understanding that must be curbed with bit and bridle. (Psalm 32:8–10 modified and personalized)

Day 37

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in RIGHTEOUS LOVE.

You never relate to anyone in a way that compromises or violates righteousness and justice.

I praise you, O God, for you practice steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things you delight (Jeremiah 9:24 personalized). I praise you that Scripture says of the Messiah “A throne will be established in steadfast love, and on it will sit in faithfulness in the tent of David one who judges and seeks justice and is swift to do righteousness” (Isaiah 16:5).

Day 38

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in FELLOWSHIPPING LOVE.

You enjoy being with me. You enjoy simply being together.

I choose to walk with you, O God, as child with Father, as friend with friend, (Genesis 5:24 personalized) for truly my fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ and with his Holy Spirit. (1 John 1:3 and 2 Corinthians 13:14 personalized)

Day 39

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in the fatherly Abba love that HOLDS ME TO YOUR BOSOM.

With you I enjoy the intimacy of absolute trust.

I praise you, Heavenly Father, that you hold me close. You embrace and kiss me (Luke 15:20 personalized).

Day 40

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in the fatherly Abba love that GIVES MY DAILY BREAD.

You gladly provide me with money, the ability to work, and the revenue streams that sustain me with food, shelter, clothing, and more.

I praise you, Lord, that you will supply all my needs according to your glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19 personalized)

Day 41

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in the fatherly Abba love that ANSWERS MY REQUESTS.

You delight to answer my prayers in accordance with your will. You want to give me what I ask. Answered prayer is central to how you want me to experience your love.

I praise you, Lord, that when I ask you for bread, you will not give me a stone, or if I ask for a fish, you will not give me a serpent. I praise you that you know how to give good gifts to your children who ask you. (Matthew 7:9–11 personalized)

Day 42

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in the fatherly Abba love that is ALWAYS CONCERNED ABOUT ME.

You care about every aspect of my life, large and small. Every good thing that matters to me matters to you, and much, much more. You feel sympathy, compassion, and a willingness to help in whatever way fits your benevolent purposes.

I praise you, Lord, that I can cast all my anxieties on you, for you care about me. (1 Peter 5:7 personalized) I praise you that “you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.” (Psalm 139:1–5)

Jeremiah 9:23–24: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.’” (ESV)

Meditating on God’s love will fill you to the fullness of God.

Day 29

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in HOLY, SANCTIFYING LOVE.

Your love purifies me and makes me holy both in redeemed status before you in Christ and in my actual conduct. Because you love me, you keep purifying me in my thoughts, motives, words, and actions. You love me too much to leave me in moral filth.

I praise you, Lord, because you loved the church and gave yourself up for her, that you might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that you might present the church to yourself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:25–27 personalized)

Day 30

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in GRACIOUS LOVE.

I am the unworthy beneficiary of a generous-hearted God. You gave me your love not because of my merits or loveliness, but solely because of your desire to do good.

Glory to you, for you are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. (Exodus 34:6 personalized)

Day 31

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in COVENANTAL, COMMITTED LOVE.

You will never leave me or forsake me if I will not forsake you. You have promised your love to me in countless, generous ways.

Thank you, Jesus, that you entered a new covenant with me through your blood. (Luke 22:20 personalized)

Day 32

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in DISCERNING LOVE.

Because your love is discerning, you know perfectly what brings the greatest goodness to me. You know what is best for me.

I praise you, O God, that your love abounds with knowledge and all discernment, so that you approve what is excellent for me, making me pure and blameless for the day of Christ. (Philippians 1:9-10 personalized)

Day 33

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in CHERISHING LOVE.

You treasure your children more than any mother cherishes her child or than people cherish their own human body. Your love is a spa for the soul.

I praise you, O Lord, that you nourish and cherish me. (Ephesians 5:29 personalized)

Day 34

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in SATISFYING LOVE.

The greatest satisfaction my soul can have comes from experiencing your love. You made me for yourself, for divine love, so my soul is thirsty until I feast on you fully.

I praise you, O Lord, that your steadfast love is better than life. (Psalm 63:3 personalized)

Day 35

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in TRUTHFUL LOVE.

I praise you, God, that you are a truth-seeker, a truth knower, a truth teller. You are light and bring all things into the light. You hate lies and love truth. You are the truth.

Thank you, Lord, for enabling me to know you in truth, as you really are, and love you in truth. Thank you that your truth abides in me and will be with me forever. Thank you that your grace, mercy, and peace are with me as I hold to both truth and love. (2 John 1:2–3 personalized)

Jeremiah 9:23–24: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.’” (ESV)

Meditating on God’s love will fill you to the fullness of God.

Day 22

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in PRIOR LOVE.

You chose to love me before I had any interest in loving you, in fact, when I was your enemy.

I love because you first loved me. (1 John 4:19 personalized)

Day 23

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in EMPOWERING LOVE.

In love, you meet my need for strength, ability, and skill.

I praise you that I can do everything through you who gives me strength, that your power is made perfect in my weakness. (Philippians 4:13 and 2 Corinthians 12:9 personalized)

Day 24

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in CONDITIONAL AND UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.

Your unconditional love graciously gives me what I do not deserve. Your conditional love rightly requires everything I have in response, which is the best, most worthwhile life I can possibly live.

You died for me, that for the rest of my life I might no longer live for myself but for him who for my sake died and was raised. (2 Corinthians 5:15 personalized)

Day 25

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in ROMANTIC LOVE.

You created me for a love relationship with you marked by mutually intense delight and desire. You love me with affection, emotion, union, with eyes that see beauty in me.

You rejoice over me with gladness and delight in me with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17 (CSB) personalized)

Day 26

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in KNOWING LOVE.

As an act of love you have chosen to know me in a special way.

I have found favor in your sight, and you know me by name. (Exodus 33:17 personalized)

Day 27

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in SERVING LOVE.

Just as you humbled yourself to wash the disciples feet, so you humble yourself daily to watch over me and provide for all my needs.

I praise you, Jesus, because you came not to be served but to serve, and to give your life as a ransom for me. (Matthew 20:28 personalized)

Day 28

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in SAVING, REDEEMING LOVE.

I could not save myself. The power of sin in me, and the power of Satan and demons, and the power of evil in the world, were more than I could overcome. I was completely powerless to erase my guilt before God my Judge. But in my helpless place, you had more than enough power to come in love and rescue me.

I praise you, O God, because day by day you save me in your steadfast love! (Psalm 31:16 personalized)

Jeremiah 9:23–24: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.’” (ESV)

Meditating on God’s love will fill you to the fullness of God.

Day 15

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in FORGIVING LOVE.

If I have sincere faith in Jesus, you wipe away all my wrongs, covering them, atoning for them, forgetting them, making them white as snow, separating them from me as far as the east is from the west.

You forgive my iniquity, transgression, and sin. (Exodus 34:7 personalized)

Day 16

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in BURDEN-BEARING LOVE.

You carry me, my burdens, and my problems.

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears me up. (Psalm 68:19 (NIV) personalized)

Day 17

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in ADOPTING LOVE.

Though I once was a child of the devil, you chose to adopt me and make me your dearly loved son or daughter.

My Father, I see what kind of love you have given me, for I am now a child of God. The day is coming when I will be like you, Jesus, and see you as you are. (1 John 3:1–2 personalized)

Day 18

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in LIBERATING LOVE.

You set me free from what oppresses me and puts me in chains. You rescue me from slavery to the world, sin, and the devil.

You set the prisoners free. You open the eyes of the blind. You lift up those who are bowed down. You love the righteous. And since I am righteous through faith in Jesus, you love me. (Psalm 146:7–8 personalized)

Day 19

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in REBUKING LOVE.

You tell me the truth about my sin and error, so they will not destroy me.

Those whom you love, you reprove and discipline, so I will be zealous and repent of my sins. (Revelation 3:19 personalized)

Day 20

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in COMFORTING LOVE.

To me you are like a blanket in the cold, like food when I am hungry, like reassuring music in a fearful time. You relieve life’s pain and torment.

Blessed be the God and Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. You comfort me in all my affliction. (2 Corinthians 1:3–4 personalized)

Day 21

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in SACRIFICIAL LOVE.

You have loved me in ways that cost you dearly.

Heavenly Father, I thank you that you so loved me that you gave for me your only Son so that I might not perish but have everlasting life. Lord Jesus, I thank you for your gracious sacrifice, that though you were rich, yet for my sake you became poor, so that I by your poverty might become rich. (John 3:16 and 2 Corinthians 8:9 personalized)

Jeremiah 9:23–24: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.’” (ESV)

Meditating on God’s love will fill you to the fullness of God.

Day 8

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in COMPASSIONATE, SYMPATHETIC LOVE.

You are “the Father of compassion” (2 Corinthians 1:3, NIV).

When I suffer, your heart is moved with pity. You stretch out your healing hand and touch me. (Mark 1:40–42 personalized)

Day 9

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in HEALING LOVE.

You heal my body, soul, and spirit.

In steadfast love you send out your Word and heal me. (Psalm 107:20 personalized)

Day 10

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in AFFECTIONATE LOVE.

You are never cold or mechanical. Rather, you love me with feeling and heart.

The greatest affection I can experience is “the affection of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:8).

Day 11

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in FAITHFUL LOVE.

You are loyal and true to your covenant partners. You keep all your words. You stay with me. You never leave me or forsake me.

Your steadfast love never ceases; your mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22–23 personalized)

Day 12

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in PATIENT LOVE.

You are slow to anger. You forbear with my sins, weaknesses, and failings. You wait for me to grow into your likeness.

I praise you that your love is patient. (1 Corinthians 13:4 personalized)

Day 13

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in GENTLE LOVE.

You are not rough, abusive, or oppressive with my soul.

I praise you, O Lord, that I can come to you when I labor and am heavy laden, and you give me rest. I take your yoke upon me, to learn from you, for you are gentle and lowly in heart, and in you my soul finds rest. For your yoke is easy, and your burden is light. (Matthew 11:28–30 personalized)

Day 14

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in JEALOUS LOVE.

You zealously protect our relationship from all competitors.

Because you are jealous for my love and devotion, I tear down every idol and altar to false gods in my soul. (Exodus 34:13–14 personalized)

Jeremiah 9:23–24: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.’” (ESV)

Meditating on God’s love will fill you to the fullness of God.

Below is a prayer and meditation guide for practicing the loving presence of God.

I’ve written about God’s love for a year now, and it has changed my life, especially my prayer life. I regularly begin prayer times now by reciting several aspects of God’s love that I’ve written about, such as the kindness or mercy or forgiveness of his love, and that sets the stage for believing and feeling it.

The phrase that helps me most is simple: “I thank you, Lord, that you are with me in _____ (benevolent love, serving love, patient love, for instance).” And then I might meditate and elaborate on that quality for a sentence or two.

Then I do it again with another quality of God’s love.

In this 47-Day Immersion in God’s love, I will summarize all the qualities covered over the last year and link to the original article. You can read each prayer verbatim if you like, or read it and then pray your own words. The last paragraph in each day is a relevant Scripture personalized as a prayer.

This 47-Day Immersion will last seven weeks. Each week you can download a PDF for that week, and at the end of the series you will be able to download a PDF for the entire series.

Deeply understanding God’s love is more than just a means to have warm feelings, as beneficial as that is. It is the path to being filled to all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19 invites us “to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” Eph 3:19). Think about the scope and potential effect on your life of those words: “filled with all the fullness of God.” That’s what we all want and need. That is the ultimate.

That is why you want to meditate and pray over these qualities of God’s love.

Day 1

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in INFINITE, MASSIVE LOVE.

Your love is higher than the heavens, greater than the ocean, without measure or limit.

Your love surpasses knowledge, filling me with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:19 personalized)

Day 2

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in MERCIFUL LOVE.

You saved me and forgave me when I was your enemy.

I was a child of wrath, like the rest of mankind, but you, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which you loved me, even when I was dead in trespasses, made me alive together with Christ—by grace I have been saved. (Ephesians 2:3–5 personalized)

Day 3

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in LOVE THAT CAN BE FELT AND PERCEIVED.

Your love is more than an idea; it is an experience in the Holy Spirit.

Your love has been poured into my heart through the Holy Spirit who has been given to me. (Romans 5:5 personalized)

Day 4

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in UNWAVERING, CONSTANT, CONTINUOUS LOVE.

Your love for me does not rise and fall based on the level of my obedience to your commands.

You showed your love for me in that while I was still a sinner, Christ died for me. (Romans 5:8 personalized)

Day 5

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in BENEVOLENT LOVE.

In love, you constantly desire and seek my good.

Because I love God, all things work together for my good. (Romans 8:28 personalized)

Day 6

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in BENEFICENT LOVE.

You not only desire my good, you actively bring about my good even when I don’t deserve it.

You make your sun rise on me whether I have done evil or good, and you send rain on me whether I have been just or unjust. (Matthew 5:45 personalized)

Day 7

I thank you, O God, that you are with me in INSEPARABLE LOVE.

Your love will never leave me if I will keep following Jesus. I am secure in your love.

I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate me from your love in Christ Jesus my Lord. (Romans 8:38–39 personalized)

Download PDF of week one

Jeremiah 9:23–24: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.’” (ESV)