Song of Solomon 7:10

Friends,

It has been awhile since I have written, but I am back with a full heart and mind of many lessons learned. (and still learning..)
--

I am my Beloved's,
and His desire is for me.

Over the past 30 years, I have prayed that passage (Song of Solomon 7:10) in soaring 747's, monasteries, caves, retreats, centers and deserted places. I believe His desire for you and me can be described as a furious longing. I hope you begin to pray that passage. When you take those words personally, I mean very personally, a number of beautiful things come to pass:

- the drumbeats of doom in your head will be replaced by a song in your heart, which could lead to a twinkle in your eye.
- you will not be dependent on the company of others to ease your loneliness, for He is Emmanuel - God with us.
- in a significant interior development, you will move from I should pray to I MUST pray.
- you will stop comparing yourself with others. In the same way, you will not trumpet your own importance, boast about your victories in the vineyard, or feel superior to anyone.
- you will read Zephaniah 3:17-18 and see God dancing for joy because of you.
- off and on throughout the day, you will just know that you are being seen by Jesus with a gaze of infinite tenderness.

- Brennan Manning

Source: The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning, pp. 21-23.