Day 3
Jude 1–2 (NET)
From Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and brother of James, to those who are called, wrapped in the love of God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ. May mercy, peace, and love be lavished on you!
A long time ago, Philip and I went on a hike at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois. It was a blisteringly hot day in July with actual temps pushing 100 degrees, and the park ranger who gave us our map warned us about the possibility of heat stroke and the importance of staying hydrated. But we set out anyway, armed with our map and our water bottles and a misguided sense of adventure.
And it was HOT. No amount of staying in the shade and going slow and drinking water could alleviate that. After about an hour, we were desperate for any form of relief from the heat. And then we stumbled upon it. A waterfall! With water cascading over the edge in an unceasing flow of refreshing and wonderful coolness. It was glorious! We rushed headlong into the spray and just stood there, arms stretched wide, laughing at how incredibly good it felt. What a blessed relief!
As I read this passage from Jude, I remembered that day. The delight, the joy, the way the water surrounded us and engulfed us in its gift. Jude describes us as being “wrapped in the Father’s love” like this, completely surrounded by a love that never ends. It just keeps flowing over us in an endless supply. And not just His love — His peace and mercy as well! Imagine peace flowing over you like a waterfall, washing away all anxiety, all stress, all uncertainty and fear. And mercy — defined as God’s compassionate, undeserved kindness towards us — what if we could experience that in unending measure, no matter how often we may we fail Him on a daily basis?
And it was HOT. No amount of staying in the shade and going slow and drinking water could alleviate that. After about an hour, we were desperate for any form of relief from the heat. And then we stumbled upon it. A waterfall! With water cascading over the edge in an unceasing flow of refreshing and wonderful coolness. It was glorious! We rushed headlong into the spray and just stood there, arms stretched wide, laughing at how incredibly good it felt. What a blessed relief!
As I read this passage from Jude, I remembered that day. The delight, the joy, the way the water surrounded us and engulfed us in its gift. Jude describes us as being “wrapped in the Father’s love” like this, completely surrounded by a love that never ends. It just keeps flowing over us in an endless supply. And not just His love — His peace and mercy as well! Imagine peace flowing over you like a waterfall, washing away all anxiety, all stress, all uncertainty and fear. And mercy — defined as God’s compassionate, undeserved kindness towards us — what if we could experience that in unending measure, no matter how often we may we fail Him on a daily basis?
Prayer Focus for today:
Today, take some time to sit with this, perhaps with your hands open in front of you as a sign of receiving these gifts of abundance. Name specifically what feelings rise up in your heart and soul as you imagine sitting under the waterfall of His mercy, peace and love. And then simply enjoy being in the presence of a Heavenly Father who longs to shower these things on you every day, with no end to their availability. Drink deeply of the gifts he is offering you today. He loves you!
Today, take some time to sit with this, perhaps with your hands open in front of you as a sign of receiving these gifts of abundance. Name specifically what feelings rise up in your heart and soul as you imagine sitting under the waterfall of His mercy, peace and love. And then simply enjoy being in the presence of a Heavenly Father who longs to shower these things on you every day, with no end to their availability. Drink deeply of the gifts he is offering you today. He loves you!
Posted in Month of Prayer 2026
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