For those sharing life with a Lover, Valentine’s Day is a time of joy, pleasure, gratitude… and passion. But or those who live with heartbreak, or are still waiting for the Love of a Lover, it can be a day of loneliness, even bitter loneliness.

The ancient Hebrew scriptures often portray God as a passionate Lover, as the only true Lover, the Valentine who never disappoints. The wondrous poem, “Song of Songs” sits right in the middle of the Christian Bible reminding us all that at the core, God is passionate for our love and it is he who has created romance. He gives this romantic love to all of us. For some it comes in part through the passionate commitment of another person. For others who do not have a human companion this love comes directly and solely from God himself. Here’s a prayer expressing our need for God’s passionate affection.

“God, thank you for love. Thank you for the passion in my heart. Thank you for the longing and the hunger for intimacy you have given us. Thank you for the gifts of human relationship. Yet I admit that as strong as the desire may be, I know that no human love can ever fully or forever satisfy the yearning for tenderness and love I bear in my heart. God, you have lit a fire in my heart that only you can quench. You have put a longing that only you can meet. Today, while my culture elevates human love and passion, I turn to you to fulfill my heart desire. Be my Lover. Be my companion. Be the One who shares secrets and laughs and confides in me. I don’t always feel loveable, but you have chosen to give me your heart. While I am alone today, I am NOT alone! You are with me. You comfort me. You are my Love and my Lover. I come to you now. Sit with me… Here. Now. Thank you! In Jesus, I ask this. In Jesus, my Bridegroom!”