S E E K W E E K D A Y T W O // T U E S D A Y A U G U S T 2 2

Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” // Luke 15: 3-7 NIV

Today, there is an invitation to consider God’s unfailing love, mercy, and grace. In the parables of Luke 15, Jesus teaches powerfully through storytelling; he reinforces the value of what is lost, the priority of searching, and the celebration that should characterize our experience of salvation. Read this story a few times, slowly. What words or images stand out to you? Write them down in your journal or on the PDF version of this devotional. Then, take some time in a quiet space to let the Holy Spirit speak to you through those words and images.

Finally, spend a few moments calling to mind the person you have committed to pray for during our For the One series. Allow yourself to remember how much and how deeply God loves them. Then, from that place of confidence in God’s love and grace, pray for that person — that their story would shift from being lost to being found.

Community practice: Fast a meal & pray for your “one”

For most of the church’s history, fasting was an important part of spiritual formation. It is a simple, embodied way for us to set aside our need for immediate gratification, and turn our hearts back to God instead of seeking satiation through our own means. It is both powerful, and challenging. If you’re new to fasting, you might choose to fast one meal — abstaining from breakfast, or lunch. You might feel the Holy Spirit prompting you to a more prolonged fast. Much of the early church would fast by abstaining from food until sundown. Whatever you choose, do your best to use the discomfort of hunger as a cue to pray, to tell God you love him, or to simply say “Thank you” to Jesus. Throughout the day, when your “one” comes to mind, pray for them.

Scripture: Zephaniah 3:17, Isaiah 25:9, Psalm 40

Prayer: In whatever time you are able, spend time in prayer with God who “rejoice[s] over you with singing” — remembering that He is also the Good Shepherd who will not leave a lost sheep alone in the wilderness. Take your time and consider the great gift of God’s mercy and grace. A prayer prompt is available below, or you can pray as you feel led.

God, thank You for seeking out the lost and bringing them back to the fold. Thank You that when I feel lost and alone, I can remember that You are with me — that You have put me on Your shoulders, and You will carry me back to a celebration with friends and loved ones. God, I lift up the lost ones to You and I ask that you would use me to bring Your light, Your healing, and the good news of Your salvation to others. Just as Your Word says, You have “put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.” I believe that You have good plans for the one I am praying for, and I ask that it would be on earth as it is in Heaven. Amen.

Devotional time // journaling questions:

1. Spend a few moments thinking about the word “rejoice”. What comes to mind? Spend some time in prayer with God about those thoughts and write down anything you feel God is prompting you to consider.

2. What verse stood out to you today? Spend some time reading or praying that verse, and allow God to speak to you through it.

3. Do you feel God calling you to a certain person or group of people who might be lost? Spend a few moments writing out whatever invitation you hear in your heart.