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A Prayer for Responding to Jesus’ Desire

     I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me.  Song of Songs 7:10

     Dear Lord Jesus, the Song of Solomon has never been one of the most underlined books in my Bible; but the more I look for you in all the Scriptures (Luke 24:25-27), the more I’m drawn to its startling, scintillating, sensual imagery. To read the Song of Solomon is to tap into our deepest longings for intimacy, playfulness, passion, and delight—knowing and being known by you.

     Indeed, you are the great lover of whom this book speaks. In our best moments, our love for one another is a mere hint and whisper of the way you love us. We are the “beloved”—the Bride upon whom you have set your deepest affections, and for whom you’ve given your very life.

     This isn’t the gospel I grew up with, but this is the gospel revealed in the Scriptures. To be desired is to be wanted and pursued, seen and accepted, known and nourished, remembered and cherished. All of these grand realities are promised and provided in the gospel.

     Only the Holy Spirit can enable us to believe and experience the liberating truths, the unparalleled beauty, and the oceans of delight revealed in the Bible, and held out in the gospel. So I cry out today: come, Holy Spirit, come. Rescue me from my unbelief. Unseat and replace any notions of God and the gospel that still linger in my mind. Enthrall my too-easily-satisfied heart. It’s one thing to rest in Jesus’ finished work, but another thing to be alive to his present desire.

     Lord Jesus, forgive me for believing that any human being could possibly satisfy the longings you placed in our DNA. Help all of us realize, (the unmarried, the happily married, and the miserably married), that you are the Spouse we always wanted, and the one to whom we belong. And more importantly, help us believe that you are the Spouse who always wanted us. Nothing is more compelling or transforming than your love. So very Amen I pray, in your holy and loving name.

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