Back in the early part of December, I noticed something about my times of prayer. (I often come out to my office first thing in the morning and spend some quiet time talking and listening to the Lord.) Lately, my prayers had come off sounding more like apology and penance– admissions of failure as a leader, a husband, father and human being.

What’s up with that? (I can’t be sure, but it may have been Jesus asking the question.) The implication was that maybe a different approach was needed. What if I come out to my prayer place in the morning fully accepting that I am loved by my Father, and that He believes in me as much as I sensed my earthly father did? As I believe in my own children. What if I did that?

Brennan Manning suggested that, on judgment day, Jesus will put the question to us: “Did you believe that I loved you? That I desired you. That I waited for you day after day. That I longed to hear the sound of your voice?”

On December 10th, I resolved to daily answer that question, yes. I resolved to stop the penance; stop the shame and accept the truth–hard as it is to believe–that my Father loves me. No penance is required.

Why not join me and do the same? Your heavenly Father believes in you.