S E E K W E E K D A Y F O U R // T H U R S D A Y A U G U S T 2 4

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 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. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

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! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 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 around him and kissed him.” // Luke 15: 11-20

In one of the most well-known parables in the Bible, Jesus gives us a crystal-clear image of the Father’s generous, forgiving love. He draws us deeper into empathy, compassion, and self-awareness by shifting away from stories about sheep and coins, and instead using the relationship between a father and his sons. Does this parable show you something new or different than the last two? What do you notice about it?

Today, we’re invited to see the places where we — and those we love and are praying for — are “beginning to be in need”. For some of us, the awareness of this need will feel sharp and immediate, like hunger pains; maybe it’s a chronic illness, the loss of a loved one, or a financial fear. For others, this need may feel more like an ache; maybe a strained relationship that feels like it will just always be that way, or a friend who refuses to know the Lord.

Whatever the case may be, allow the Holy Spirit to bring this need up in you — and let it remind you that you (and whoever you are praying for) belong in your Father’s house.

Community practice: Take a prayer walk around your neighborhood.

We are repeating this practice because it is best thought of as that: a practice. Something we do regularly, an activity that forms us to be more like Jesus. Head out into your neighborhood, or even a nearby walking trail, and spend some time praying as you walk. You can pray for the neighborhood you travel through, you can express your gratitude for the beauty you encounter, or you can pray for whatever comes to mind. You can go with your family, or spend some time in solitude; you can go in the early morning before it gets too hot, or you can take a slow walk after dinner. Whatever you choose to do, know that many others in our community are joining you in this practice today, and the Chino Valley is being covered in footsteps and prayer.

Scripture:  Psalm 103, Psalm 143: 1-6

Prayer: In whatever time you are able, spend time in prayer with God our Father — remembering the ways that He has loved and rescued you (and others in your life) in the past. Take your time and remember how He has provided for you, guided you, and answered prayers — try to call to mind your own testimony, and testimonies you may have heard from others. A prayer prompt is available below, or you can pray as you feel led.

Father God, You are the Creator of all things… and still, You think of me as your son/daughter. I am so grateful and humbled by your enduring love, that runs out to meet me, embrace me, and welcome me back whenever I go astray. Today, I am praying for (list the people or things you are praying for), and asking that in Your kindness, You would call us all back into Your embrace. Where I am afraid, please bring me courage and comfort. Where I am thirsty, please refresh me with Your Spirit. Where I lack vision, light the path before me. I thank You that even when I am in need — especially when I am in need — You are a good good Father, who is looking for ways to be gracious and generous to me. Amen.

Devotional time // journaling questions:

1. What image from the suggested Scripture verses struck you today? Press in to that image and spend some time with Jesus asking why that particular moment is so important to you right now.

2. Write down one memory you have of a time when God felt like a good Father. How can you hold on to that memory as a way to build your faith in this season?

3. Where do you need God our Father to make Himself known today? Craft a prayer or a simple statement inviting Him into that place.