Categories
Lenten Devotionals

Join the Father

Luke 15: 11-24
11 Jesus continued: ‘There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, “Father, give me my share of the estate.” So he divided his property be-tween them.13 ‘Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17 ‘When he came to his senses, he said, “How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.” 20 So he got up and went to his father.
‘But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms round him and kissed him. 21 ‘The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” 22 ‘But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” So they began to celebrate.

Lord, what is it that I need to break away from? Pride and fear come to mind first, and control. Why do I have such a hard time letting go? Do I invest myself too much into things? Where do I draw the line? My God, to break away from life long patterns is not easy. I try, but I’m not consistent. I fail over and over again. It is your love and mercy, Lord that sustain me. I know you love me because each time you pick me up, I feel a little more of that which made me fall, stay behind. Each time I’m less burdened by my pride or fear or whatever keeps me from you. Lord, forgive me for all those times I failed you.