What is the connection between suffering and love in the Christian tradition? In this episode, Carolyn reflects on Jesus’ suffering on the cross as a reminder of God’s love for us in our despair and a model for how to love those suffering around us.

This “prayer for mission” is a perfect way to set a “mantra” or “intention” for your day: to sense God’s love for you and extend compassion to those around you.

A Morning Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen.

Prayer Source: The Episcopal Church’s Book of Common Prayer, page 101.