A Prayer for Loving God and Others: Matthew 22:37-39

This prayer lesson is written in easy English for ESL students, homeschool children, families, and anyone who enjoys studying the Bible with simple words. If you prefer to read this prayer in more advanced English, you can read A Prayer for Loving God and Man.

Some days, it is easy and happy to love God and other people. Other days, it is hard. We fight our own selfish feelings and tired body. The Christian life has good days and bad days. In these normal moments, we need to remember God’s steady grace. God tells us to love with all our heart. He does not ask this because we are strong. He asks because he is strong!

This prayer helps us say when we fail. It helps us say thank you for God’s mercy. It helps us ask for hearts that show the love of Jesus in what we say and do. This simple prayer is a great way to learn English with the Bible!

Vocabulary

These vocabulary words may help you understand the Bible verse and the prayer:

Command: (noun) An order or rule given by someone with power.
Forgive: (verb) To stop being angry at someone who did something wrong.
Grace: (noun) God’s free gift of love, kindness, and favor.
Impatient: (adjective) Easily annoyed when waiting or having trouble.
Mercy: (noun) Kindness and forgiveness shown to someone who did wrong.
Neighbor: (noun) Any person near you. In this Bible passage, it includes friends, family, and strangers.
Obey: (verb) To do what a rule or person tells you to do.
Patient: (adjective) Able to wait or stay calm without getting angry.
Selfish: (adjective) Caring only about yourself and not about other people.
Soul: (noun) The inner, invisible part of a person that lives forever.

A Prayer

Matthew 22:37-39 (ERV): "Jesus answered, '"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind." This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: "Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself."'" A reminder to love both God and others! #BibleVerse #Scripture #ERV #EasyEnglish #GospelOfMatthew — Matthew 22:37-39 (ERV): “Jesus answered, ‘”Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: “Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.”‘”

Dear Father,

There are days when it is easy to love you. Other days, it is easy to love my neighbor. However, sometimes both are hard to do! Please forgive me, Lord. My heart forgets your goodness quickly. I get impatient easily. I think about myself too much. I stop caring about people around me.

You deserve all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind. You made me. You hold the world together with your word. You gave me mercy and grace through your son, Jesus. You are holy, but you come close to weak and lost people. I love you for who you are. You are perfect in love. You are always faithful. You have so much kindness.

I admit that I learn slowly. I move away from you easily. I know the most important commands from Matthew 22:37-39 (ERV): “Jesus answered, ‘”Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: “Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.”‘” Even though I know these commands, I still do not obey them every day. I hold on to anger. I do not show kindness. I choose what I want instead of obeying you. I make time for fun things, but I forget to pray or read the Bible. I make excuses for my bad words instead of saying I am wrong. Forgive me, Father.

Yet, you are very patient! Thank you for your gentle heart. Thank you for the moments when I love people well. Those moments show your Holy Spirit working in me. Thank you that you do not leave me alone. You help me change, like a good father teaches his child. Thank you for the cross. Jesus showed perfect love for you and his neighbor on the cross, even when he suffered. Thank you for the Holy Spirit who helps me remember the truth and live the right way.

Please keep teaching me, Lord. Help my heart look more like your heart. Help me see people the way you see them. Help me want to serve others instead of wanting them to serve me. Make my love for you strong so it flows out to other people. Remind me that your commands are not hard work. They are kind invitations to know you better and to help with your work in the world.

Make me your true child in my heart, not just in my name. Let my life look like Jesus.

In Jesus Name I Pray. Amen.

This Bible verse is part of a passage that talks about a test that Jesus was given. Please read Matthew 22:34-40 for additional context.