Praying “Our Father . . .”

One of Jesus’ most powerful stories about the nature of our Father God is often called the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15). Jesus told this story while spending time with “sinners and tax collectors” (Luke 15:1)—which scandalized the religious leaders, who felt they were more deserving of Jesus’ time and attention. In response, he told three stories about lost things: a sheep, a coin, and two sons. In each one, someone searches. In each one, something is found. And every time, there’s a celebration.

We hear about one son in rebellion and one in resentment, and their father reaches out to them both to absorb their heartache and make a way for them to come home.

It begins with the younger son publicly shaming his father by demanding his share of the inheritance before his father’s death. His foolish and immature demand must have grieved the father’s heart. And in an honor-shame culture, it also would have enraged the community.

Eventually, the immature son realized the mess he’d made, but he knew the heart of his father. If he went home, his father would receive him back, even if only as a hired worker. So he headed home.

Can you imagine that long, lonely walk? Shame pressing down with every step. He knew the village would see him coming. He knew the stares, the whispers, the snide comments about to be lobbed his way, and how they would feel when they hit the target of his self-loathing heart. So, he braced himself to walk a gauntlet of shame.

Except. His father was watching. He saw. He felt. He was concerned. So he came running.

God’s fatherly love isn’t confined to the past. The God who ran still comes running, because like the perfect parent, he cannot resist the cries of his children.

Maybe your image of God has been shaped more by absence than presence or more by abuse than care. If so, can you name those distorted images of God? Would you be willing to release them and receive the more compelling, more beautiful truth Jesus wants you to see?

God is infinitely better than any human father. He has none of the limitations and more love to give than you could ever possibly imagine.

Prayer Prompt: Our Father, thank you for your perfect love and unending care for me. Amen.