The word “I loved” is the response of the soul to God’s work with it. God heard the voice of supplication, and the result was that the heart was filled with love. God does not want from a person merely words of thanks or joy, but a heart that loves Him. Love is the deepest level a person reaches in his relationship with God.
Second: Love Is Greater Than Thanksgiving, Faith, and Fear
Love is broader than thanksgiving, because the one who loves gives thanks, but not everyone who gives thanks loves. It is greater than faith and hope, for it was said that the greatest of these is love. It is also higher than fear, because perfect love casts out fear. The goal of spiritual life is not merely answered prayer, but entering into a living relationship of love with God.
Third: Is Our Love Practical?
When we say, “I loved because the Lord heard the voice of my supplication,” we must ask ourselves: Is this love practical? Does it appear in obedience? Do we keep the commandments? Do we labor for God and cling to Him? True love is measured by conduct and steadfastness, not merely by emotions or words.
Fourth: The Difference Between Joy and Love
Many rejoice when their prayers are answered, but they do not reach love. A person may rejoice over success, a job, or a benefit, but he does not translate that into a deeper relationship with God. But the psalmist did not say “I rejoiced,” but “I loved,” meaning that the answer to prayer turned into a lasting attachment to God.
Fifth: It Is Enough That God Hears
The saints do not only ask that prayer be answered, but that it be accepted. It is enough that the request enters into God’s presence, and that He inclines His ear and listens. The mere divine listening is a sign of care and love, and grants the soul reassurance and confidence in God’s care.
Sixth: God Does Not Let Us Be Lost in the Crowd
Despite the busyness of the world and the multitude of people, God does not let a person be lost in the crowd. As happened with Zacchaeus the tax collector, when the Lord called him by name in the midst of the crowd and heard even his inner desire before he expressed it. Thus the believer feels that God knows him personally and cares for him.
Seventh: The Virtue of Good Listening
Just as God inclines His ear and listens, so man is called to the virtue of good listening. There are tired souls who do not seek solutions as much as they seek someone to listen to them with love. Listening itself is an expression of care and mercy, and it reflects the image of God who hears the voice of His children’s supplication.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
Meditations on the Last Two Psalms of the Ninth Hour Prayer: I Loved and I Believed – Part 2
First: “I Loved” as a Response to God’s Work
The word “I loved” is the response of the soul to God’s work with it. God heard the voice of supplication, and the result was that the heart was filled with love. God does not want from a person merely words of thanks or joy, but a heart that loves Him. Love is the deepest level a person reaches in his relationship with God.
Second: Love Is Greater Than Thanksgiving, Faith, and Fear
Love is broader than thanksgiving, because the one who loves gives thanks, but not everyone who gives thanks loves. It is greater than faith and hope, for it was said that the greatest of these is love. It is also higher than fear, because perfect love casts out fear. The goal of spiritual life is not merely answered prayer, but entering into a living relationship of love with God.
Third: Is Our Love Practical?
When we say, “I loved because the Lord heard the voice of my supplication,” we must ask ourselves: Is this love practical? Does it appear in obedience? Do we keep the commandments? Do we labor for God and cling to Him? True love is measured by conduct and steadfastness, not merely by emotions or words.
Fourth: The Difference Between Joy and Love
Many rejoice when their prayers are answered, but they do not reach love. A person may rejoice over success, a job, or a benefit, but he does not translate that into a deeper relationship with God. But the psalmist did not say “I rejoiced,” but “I loved,” meaning that the answer to prayer turned into a lasting attachment to God.
Fifth: It Is Enough That God Hears
The saints do not only ask that prayer be answered, but that it be accepted. It is enough that the request enters into God’s presence, and that He inclines His ear and listens. The mere divine listening is a sign of care and love, and grants the soul reassurance and confidence in God’s care.
Sixth: God Does Not Let Us Be Lost in the Crowd
Despite the busyness of the world and the multitude of people, God does not let a person be lost in the crowd. As happened with Zacchaeus the tax collector, when the Lord called him by name in the midst of the crowd and heard even his inner desire before he expressed it. Thus the believer feels that God knows him personally and cares for him.
Seventh: The Virtue of Good Listening
Just as God inclines His ear and listens, so man is called to the virtue of good listening. There are tired souls who do not seek solutions as much as they seek someone to listen to them with love. Listening itself is an expression of care and mercy, and it reflects the image of God who hears the voice of His children’s supplication.
For better translation support, please contact the center.