Matthew 26:36-46

“You can do more than pray, after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.”     John Bunyan

                 When I was a child, there was a certain excitement about 4 p.m. everyday. What was it? The mailman came. I looked earnestly to see if my Highlights magazine, or my Disney book club had shown up. I was thinking about that when I read this letter from someone very important.  It went something like this:

“Dearly Beloved, How are you? I just had to send you this letter to tell you how much I love you and care about you. I saw you yesterday as you were walking with your friends. I waited all day, hoping you would walk and talk with me too. As evening drew near, I gave you a sunset to close your day, and a cool breeze to give you rest. Then I waited, but you never came. It hurt me, but I still love you because I am your friend. I saw you fall asleep last night, and I longed to caress your face, and ruffle your hair, so, I shined a little moonlight upon your pillow and your face. Again, I waited, wanting to rush down so we could talk. I have so many gifts for you. You woke up late this morning and rushed off for the day. My tears were in the rain. Today you looked so sad; so alone. It makes my heart ache because I understand how you can hurt so much. My friends let me down too and hurt me many times.  I still love you very much. I try to tell you when you walk by the still waters. I whisper it in the green pastures where the leaves and trees breathe color into your view. I shout it to you in the echoes of the mountains, the roar of the rushing streams, and give the birds love songs to sing. I clothe you with warm sunshine and spread sweet aromas into the air. My love for you is deeper than the oceans and bigger than the widest mountain and higher that the sky. My love goes beyond your greatest want or need you could ever have. We will spend eternity together in heaven. I know, though, how hard it is on earth. I really know, because I was there too, and I want to help you. Just give me a call, night or day, and ask me -- talk to me. It is your decision ... I have chosen you, and because of this, I will wait.  I truly love you.

Your friend,

Jesus