RETURN HOME

Christ the King Sunday

JEREMIAH 3:14 (NLT)
"Return home, you wayward children," says the Lord,
"for I am your master.
I will bring you back to the land of Israel"

LUKE 15:20 (ABP)
The wayward son picked himself up and headed home to his father. And when he was still a long way off, his father saw him on the pathway. The father was so excited that he ran out (yes, a grown man ran) to welcome him with hugs and kisses.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

God is eagerly waiting to welcome you home -- if only you'll return.

PRAYER
God of grace and mercy, thank you for your warm welcome. I confess that in my shame I struggle to receive it. I avoid you or I try to justify my prodigal thoughts and actions. Help me to let go of the shame and guilt associated with my failures. I'm going to trust that you are a merciful and kind God. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

SALVATION

ISAIAH 62:11 (ABP)
GOD says to the entire world, "Wake up and take notice. Zion my daughter, I'm coming to save you!"

1 PETER 1:3 (ABP)
The God who is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is awesome! When Jesus was raised from the dead he gave us new resurrection-infused lives. This is our living hope -- a hope that just won't die -- a hope by which we can truly live!

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God is full of good news!

PRAYER
Awesome God of amazing good news, thank you for making me alive again. So often I feel dead in my sin, overcome by negativity within and around me. But you have brought me to this new day full of your love and mercy. Make my redeemed life a proclamation of your living hope through Christ our Savior. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

START AND STAY THE COURSE

GENESIS 12:1 (ABP)
GOD said to Abram, "Leave behind your native land, your extended family, and the protection of your father’s clan. Go to the land to which I am directing you."

HEBREWS 6:12 (MSG)
Be like those who stay the course with committed faith and then get everything promised to them.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When God calls you to go somewhere, start and stay the course, to receive the promised rewards.

PRAYER
God, you have had your people on the go throughout history. Are you calling me to make a move? Do you want me to serve you in a different place among different people? That sounds hard. But I am going to trust you to direct me -- whether I stay here or go. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

BE AT PEACE

PSALM 116:7 (CEB)
I tell myself,
     You can be at peace again,
     because the Lord has been good to you.

2 THESSALONIANS 3:16 (NLT)
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God desires that we live peaceful lives.

PRAYER
God, your passion for peace is such good news for us. The world is so full of unhealthy drama and turmoil that I easily get discouraged by what's happening. And sometimes I feel like a lone powerless voice in my peacemaking efforts. Help me to recognize how you're at work making peace. Show me how to best partner with you. And please start with me. Show me how to be a peaceful person. I'm going to allow your peacemaking to become the priority in my life. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.