Week of Prayer - Joy - the Foundational Melody of the Kingdom of GodMfano

JOY OVER REDEMPTION

VERSES

In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. (Luke 15,10)

MEDITATION

David expresses the joy of a man whom God has forgiven of his sin when he exclaims: «Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.» (Ps 32,1) Throughout many passages in the Bible, Paul also repeatedly expresses his joy at the return of many sons and daughters to the Father’s house. And Luke tells us of the same joy in the Acts of the Apostles: «When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralysed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city.» (Acts 8,6-8)

Through many parables like the story of the prodigal son, the lost sheep, or the lost coin, Jesus teaches us about the great joy of the Father and the Son when people who were lost find back to God (cf. Luke 15). When people repent, there is a great celebration in heaven. The Gospel of Luke says: «In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.» (Luke 15,10)

God still acts with power today. By witnessing God’s powerful actions, our joy grows, and our faith is constantly renewed. I regularly tell people that I am privileged to witness how numerous people turn to God. This gives me great joy, and that joy is contagious to those I meet.

The joy of salvation spurs us on with new strength. When the Holy Spirit pours out this joy in us, we can’t help but put our faith into action. We are compelled to pray and want to share the Gospel with everyone wherever the Spirit of God leads us. Let’s remember the joy and love we experienced when we first said «yes» to Jesus Christ. May we be renewed in the joy over redemption through the work of the Holy Spirit!

REFLECTION

· Why is there such delight in God’s heart when someone turns to him?

· Have I experienced the joy of helping someone come to know Jesus?

· Is there anyone I know who could encounter God with my support?

PRAYER TOPICS

· That our hearts be filled with God’s love so that we are fully moved by His Great Commission to make disciples of all the nations. (cf. Matt 28)

· That all preconceived ideas about the Gospel and faith in God dissolve so that the words and actions sown may achieve the fruit of repentance that leads to redemption.

· That many find the way to the Father’s house and join the kingdom of God.

SUGGESTED PRAYER

Lord, I ask You for all the fruits that You promised me to receive through Your Holy Spirit. I ask You to change my heart and to pour such a great measure of love into my life that it compels me to proclaim the Gospel and pray for the people I meet. I ask You to remove all the obstacles that hinder the Spirit from moving in my life. Lord, fill me with the joy that comes from You, and in particular, with the joy of seeing many people’s lives turned to You. Please fill me with Your joy and peace so that I may have abundant hope through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in me! I ask You for all these things in the precious name of Your son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Bob Davet

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