"Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek … to be loved as to love."

It seems easy, God, 
Until I try.
Maybe I am not aware of how much I seek to be loved.
Maybe I am not aware of how insecure I can be and vulnerable …
And needy:
To be regarded, respected, and renowned …
To be chosen and cherished …
To be welcomed and warmed …
To be a friend …
But, Aha! Lord …
There is my choice: to BE a friend is to be and to act and to serve
LIKE A FRIEND.
If I seek it, I will be it.
If I seek to love, I will love.
Grant that I will reject reciprocity in this matter and think nothing of …
Quid Pro Quo …
Teach me to love by loving through me.
Teach me to love by knowing again and again and again, how deep,
How wide,
How long,
How long-suffering,
How patient is Your love for me and that …
It is all I need.
So, filled with love, I can give love.
In the Name of the Lord of Love,
Amen.