Waves of mercy and grace

I once read Brennan Manning's description of a worship encounter where he experienced the love of Jesus Christ flowing over him in waves. While at Lionheart this evening, there was a point in worship where I basked in the love of God in a manner that does not happen very often for me. As I opened my heart to Him I was "caught up" in His love for me.

What is it that brings on such encounters? For me, it followed a point of surrender: a surrender to the Holy Spirit within me; a breaking down of the barrier that prevents me from worshipping in reckless abandon to the "reckless, furious, love of God"; and the casting off of pride, replacing it with the knowledge that I am a true ragamuffiin.

If only all of my worship experiences -- personal and corporate -- were encounters of reckless abandon to His love.

Grace and peace ...