The goal of the Christian life is to love God for all eternity. We can begin that goal during our life on earth, loving God each day more and more.

However, it is not always easy to maintain that love, especially when trials and tribulations strike. We are tempted to neglect our prayer life and our love lessens each day.

St. Gertrude the Great had a method that she thought could help an individual maintain that love of God on a daily basis.

She wrote various spiritual exercises, and in one exercise, she wrote a morning meditation that was focused entirely on loving God when you wake up.

Often it is easier for us to love someone when we can see them. While we cant see Jesus with our bodily eyes, we can use our imagination, or put before ourselves a picture of Jesus, reminding ourselves that Jesus is truly beside us in a real way.

Then, after envisioning Jesus presence, we can stir within our soul a deep love of him. This should be done regardless of our sensible feelings.

This little exercise doesnt have to last long, but it can be a powerful experience to start your day basking in the light of Gods love for you. It can affect our every action, and reminds us where to put our priorities, even before we have started our day.

God is love. Let us start our day gazing at Love, loving him in return.

Read more: St. Francis Xavier encourages us to love God for only one reason

Read more: Prayer for a greater love of God

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Increase your love of God with this morning meditation - Aleteia EN