Daily Worship

Returning Home

October 10, 2014 0 0

Luke 15:11-20

Jesus went on to say, "There was once a man who had two sons. The younger one said to him, 'Father, give me my share of the property now.' So the man divided his property between his two sons. After a few days the younger son sold his part of the property and left home with the money. He went to a country far away, where he wasted his money in reckless living. He spent everything he had. Then a severe famine spread over that country, and he was left without a thing. So he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him out to his farm to take care of the pigs. He wished he could fill himself with the bean pods the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything to eat. At last he came to his senses and said, 'All my father's hired workers have more than they can eat, and here I am about to starve! I will get up and go to my father and say, "Father, I have sinned against God and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired workers." ' So he got up and started back to his father. "He was still a long way from home when his father saw him; his heart was filled with pity, and he ran, threw his arms around his son, and kissed him. 

‘He was still a long way from home when his father saw him; his heart was filled with pity, and he ran, threw his arms around his son, and kissed him’

Loving God, we know that our lives are not always lived in the way you want.  We very often get things wrong.  
Words, better unspoken, have passed our lips..  
Thoughts, better not entertained, have gone through our minds.  
Action has been taken without thought of the consequences or the hurt that  might be caused.

By the way we live and interact with others and the world you have made, we confess that we turn our back on you and go our own way thinking we know best.  Again and again, we wander from the path that you tell us leads to life.  

And yet, when we come to our senses, when we realise our mistakes and return to you to ask for your forgiveness, you welcome us with open arms – and you forgive us.  You let us know we are back where we belong, in your presence and in the company of others who have also returned and experienced your grace and your welcome embrace.  Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN