Engaged by Love

Somewhere in the world tonight – someone is proposing. True love is avowed and commitments are pledged. There are entire TV shows devoted to making the marriage proposal a moment to remember, radio stations ask callers to share their engagement stories, airplanes spell the words in the sky with puffs of smoke, TV sports cameras take their lens off the field of play to find the couple for whom the jumbotron just posted the BIG question, friends join forces to set up secluded picnics with candles and roses, and waiters collaborate for special delivery while the other patrons watch the defining moment when the question is asked and the shock slowly wanes as the recipient comprehends what they are being asked and that all of this elaborate planning was just for them. It’s hard to keep anxiety out of the wedding day, but the engagement, even with its unique stressors, has an air of infectious elation. I know of one marriage proposal tonight and by now the ring is on the finger and the couple must be wondering if their faces are permanently shaped into smiles from the abundance of joy! What if we considered that we too are actively sought after, through elaborate plans or straightforward assurances, and being asked to share our lives with the One who loves us more than humanly possible? What if we considered that desire to call us into relationship is stronger than our most vivid imagination? What response would you give after the initial shock and realization that you are deemed to be desirable, valuable, lovable and so important to your Suitor that nothing will separate that Love from you? How would you tell the story of your engagement?

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God of Love abundant, we are humbled by your entreats of union. In a world where we absorb harmful words and hurtful actions, we don’t recognize ourselves as being worthy of love, and can’t imagine being held with admiration and approval. Yet, you call us beloved and guard us as precious treasure. Let us remove any barriers that prevent us from accepting your invitation and learn to embrace and embody the person you know us to be. May we reflect this realization in our countenance and visage so that when asked of our enrichment, we may freely share the story of our joyous engagement, creatively and generously given by the Grace of God.