As we continue on in our wonderful Luke passage, this week we read Luke 15:11-24 in preparation for Sunday's sermon. Need to read it? Catch up on it here: Luke 15:11-24.
What a powerful story that Jesus tells here. As we prepare our hearts and minds for this Sunday's sermon, we can utilize the great little acrostic P-R-A-Y-S to help us pray through our passage this week.
P (praise) - What praises do we see modeled in this passage? How do you imagine the father felt when his wayward son returned home? Can you think of joy you have experienced when you "returned home", whether it be to God, to family, or even to a calling that you tried to run away from? Praise and thank God now.
22 But the father said to his servants,[c] ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
R (repent) - In what ways do you see repentance modeled in this passage? What kind of heart-change did the son need to do an "about-face" and return home? What kind of repentance is God calling you to? Will you do an "about-face" and return home? Pray now.
18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.
A (ask) - What kind(s) of asking is modeled in this passage? How can this inform what we ask of the Lord this week? What kind of posture do we need when we ask? How can humility shape our asking? How can pride affect what it is we ask of God? Can you see the difference between what the son asked for once returning home to his father, compared to what he asked for prior to leaving? Spend some time getting in the right posture before bringing your petitions before God.
19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.
12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them.
Y (yield) - What kind of yielding is evident in this passage? In another translation, this passage says the son came to his "senses". In what areas do you need to come to your senses? In what areas of your life do you need to humbly submit to God? Talk to Him about that now. He is listening. Sometimes yielding seems like the weak and nonsensical choice. Yet, as we continue on in the passage, can you see the beauty that results when we obediently yield?
But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
S (souls) - This passage in its entirety beautifully tells of the compassion a father has for his lost son, who returns home. Who in your life desperately needs to "come to their senses" and return home? Who is lost? Who is wayward? Who is running? Lift them up in prayer now.
PoC|Coverage is tonight at 6pm! Hope to see you there.
Pastor Celia
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