Scripture Reading
Luke 15:20
And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a great way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
Reflection
The father in the parable was watching the road — he saw his son 'while he was still a great way off.' He had been watching and waiting, and when the moment came he ran. In the ancient Near East, a man of dignity did not run. This detail is everything: God does not wait for us to arrive at the door with all our apologies polished. He runs down the road to meet us while we are still far off. You don't have to get all the way there before he meets you.
Prayer for Today
Lord, please forgive me for what I have done to you. I offer up this forgiveness prayer in hopes that you will look at my mistakes and know that I did not mean to hurt you. I know you know I'm not perfect. I know that what I did went against you, but I hope that you will forgive me, just as you forgive others like me.
I will try, Lord, to change. I will make every attempt to not give into temptation again. I know that you are the most important thing in my life, Lord, and I know that what I did was disappointing.
I ask, God, that you provide me with guidance in the future. I ask for the discerning ear and open heart to hear and feel what you are telling me to do. I pray that I will have the understanding to remember this time and that you give me the strength to go in a different direction.
Lord, thank you for all you do for me. I pray that you pour your grace upon me.
In your name, Amen.
I will try, Lord, to change. I will make every attempt to not give into temptation again. I know that you are the most important thing in my life, Lord, and I know that what I did was disappointing.
I ask, God, that you provide me with guidance in the future. I ask for the discerning ear and open heart to hear and feel what you are telling me to do. I pray that I will have the understanding to remember this time and that you give me the strength to go in a different direction.
Lord, thank you for all you do for me. I pray that you pour your grace upon me.
In your name, Amen.
Amen.