Thursday: Compassion
Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.
From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dear God, stir up your Holy Spirit in us today, and turn our hearts to you. Help us to see the many ways you care for us, even when we least deserve it. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Listen: Pay close attention as the Bible story is read in the form of a rhyme.
There was a tale that Jesus told
About a son who was quite bold,
And in this tale, the foolish son
Just took dad’s money on the run!
The young man wasted every cent,
And soon his money all was spent.
He wished that he could go back home
Since he was hungry and alone.
But when the father saw his boy,
He hugged and welcomed him with joy.
The father said to those around:
“My son was lost and now he’s found!”
Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.
Child: Have you ever felt homesick and alone? When?
Child: If you were the young man in the story, would you have been surprised by your father’s welcome? Why or why not?
Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.
Holy God, sometimes we get homesick, and feel very alone. But we know that you are always there for us, as close as a prayer. Thank you for loving us, no matter what. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.
May you realize that you are never alone! Amen.