Father, I have sinned. - Luke 15:18
By Synthia Esther
March 12, 2010
The prodigal son left the safety of his father's home, wasting his substance. He hung out with friends who used and abused him, spending his money and his time, living it up on sin filled pleasure. We learn from the wise words of Solomon who writes, "My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them," Proverbs 1:10 -NIV.
Giving in to sin is a problem we all face while living in a world filled with temptation. In the end, we are left in want, for sin never satisfies the longing of the soul. The prodigal son was left to suffer among pigs, eating their slop of food. He was spent out, turned out, faced with the sorrow of his foolish choices. It was then he remembered his father's love, home, and security. He longed for what he had, turned from his ways, and went home to ask for his father's mercy. With a feast of thanksgiving and love, the prodigal son was welcomed home by his father. It was a joyous reunion, filled with compassion.
So it is with all of us, for we have all at one time or another faced with regret our past sin...which looms in our heart and mind. Sin can most often be described as an effort to meet a legitimate need, with an illegitimate plan. Sin is always fun for a season - Hebrews 11:25 NIV. But when reality hits, we realize how far we have drifted from the path of righteousness, and long for our Savior's love and protection. David said, "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want," Psalm 23:1.
We come to a cross road, asking ourselves, "Do I return to my Father's call, or harden my heart?" - Hebrews 3:15. It is God's desire that we grow up learning from our mistakes, changing our hearts cry to "Forgive Me," instead of "Give Me." And it is our Father's good pleasure, to restore us into His Kingdom. Know this, "No matter what your past may be, it is never too late to return to our Father's outstretched arms of mercy, grace, and love. For God is, and always will be, Our Holy Redeemer."
My Prayer of Repentance
Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive me Lord, for I have sinned and come short of your purpose and plan for my life. Like the prodigal son, I too have a hearts cry of repentance, as I surrender my will and ways to you Lord. Living my life according to your plan has become my hearts desire. Working for your glory, so that others may see "You" Lord, in my every deed and action.
Lead me Father towards your path of righteousness, show me your will, as you make your Biblical words come alive in my heart and mind. Give me wisdom and knowledge Oh Lord, as I study your Holy Bible, in order to show myself approved. May I learn to gleam courage in your unseen hand of providence, having faith in your strength alone. For I purpose to proclaim to all the world, "What a mighty God I serve!" I ask these things in your Holy Name, Jesus Christ, my Heavenly Savior, Father, and Friend.
Amen.
OUR FATHER AND HOLY REDEEMER
Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:
The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
As for man, his days are like grass,
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children-
with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.
The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Praise the LORD, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
Praise the LORD, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the LORD, O my soul.
Psalm 103
Copyright - 2010 - 2016, Synthia Esther. All Rights Reserved.
