The Time Is Now - Developing A Lifestyle Of Prayer

your ability to comprehend and receive His love does.

6. How doesJames 4:8 apply to the expression and experience oflove between us and God?

7. ReadJohn 21:15-17.Jesus wasn't satisfied with Peter's assertion, "You know that I love you. " What wasJesus waiting to hear? W1Jy?

8. Why is the verbal expression oflove so important (Proverbs 27:5)?

"I love you" was one of King David's favorite expressions to God (Psalm 18:1). Just as a car goes faster when you press on the gas, so also there is a direct relationship between our expression of love to God and His expression of love to us. I believe this is yet another appli­ cation of the law of the harvest (Galatians 6:7; 2 Corinthians 9:6), which contends the more generously you sow, the more abundantly you will reap. As we take this simple, but often difficult, step of verbalizing love to God and others, He places supernatural, overflowing love in our hearts so that we can love more.When we tell God, "I love you," and mean it as best we know how, we are holding up our pitchet; and He fills it to the brim, over and over and over. When you know without any doubt that you're loved by God, all the insecurities and fears that keep you from loving others fade away. I encourage you to begin and end evety prayer with "I love you, Lord." And while you're at it, say it as often as you can any other time of the day or night. Prayer, Love, and Feelings At home I have a huge bowl that holds a half-gallon of ice cream and says on the side, "I love ice cream." And I use it ...to the full. One evening, while I was eating my beloved frozen daity dessert from my favorite bowl, Patty asked me, "What's the difference? You love ice cream.How is it different when you tell me you love me?" My spoon stopped halfway to my mouth. I pondered for a minute, then answered, "Can I get back to you on that?"