I thought we might begin a series on the Commandments, by looking at what Jesus said when asked Which is the greatest commandment?. Note that He responds with two and they have come to be known as the summary of the law because of what he says in verse 40 of the Matthew reading.   In the old prayer book (Methodist and Anglican) the reciting of the Summary was added as an alternative to reciting the Ten Commandments. Jesus was also quoting the Old Testament. The book of Deuteronomy is itself a sort of summary in which are set out a series of sermons by Moses before the Children of Israel enter the Promised Land. Note also that Jesus adds the idea of loving God with our minds. Jesus did not go about telling people what to do. Much of what He taught was designed to make His hearers think for themselves.

I have long thought that the two commandments should not be separated, but I have changed my mind recently. Neighbours are to be loved of course and that's the way to follow Jesus. In fact the movement was called The Way before its followers were nicknamed Christians. But how do we love God? Well one essential feature is to tell Him. In the prayers below I have put what I use and it is part of my Franciscan rule to do it everyday in the open air.