Becoming Like Jesus: Silence and SolitudeSample

The Prodigal Father

Pray…

Father, thank you for your relentless love. I’m amazed by your willingness to keep showing mercy no matter how messy my life is. I will always be grateful for that. In Jesus name, amen.

Read…

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. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “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. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. - Luke 15:19-24 NIV

Consider…

This passage comes from the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The word prodigal means “spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant.” While that is an accurate description of the son who left his family and wasted his inheritance, it’s also a good description of how the Father responded to his son coming home. He gave lavishly and extravagantly to celebrate the return of His son. This parable is a picture of the way God wants to welcome us home whenever we turn to Him.

Do you really believe that God’s grace is bigger than your sins? How does that belief (or lack of belief) play out in your life? Are there times where you feel unlovable? How does this parable help combat that feeling?

Listen…

Find a comfortable place where you won’t be distracted. Maybe a cozy chair, a closet, or even sitting outside on a porch.

Set a timer for 5-10 minutes.

Settle into God’s presence by taking a few deep breaths and praying this prayer.

As you breathe in, “Lord Jesus…” When you breathe out, “Have mercy on me.”

Breathe in, “Heavenly Father…” Breathe out, “You’re all that I need.”

In, “Holy Spirit…” and out, “Breathe on me.”

Repeat this prayer until your mind is clear and your body is still. When you’re ready, ask God to speak to you.

When you get distracted, repeat the prayer above to help you bring your attention back to God.

When the timer ends, thank God for the time you spent together and head into the rest of your day with a clearer sense of His presence.