Scripture:

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. (Luke 15:4-7)

Thought for the day:

So often we think of ourselves as one of the ninety-nine, and yet so often, we are the one who is lost. What areas of our lives have we attempted to hide from God? Our thoughts? Our words? Our deeds? Where have we failed to treat others with the same unconditional love that God has showered upon us? Of what must we repent to start the heavenly rejoicing?

Prayer for the day:

Lord, I am no longer my own, but yours.

Put me to what You will, rank me with whom You will.

Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be employed by You or laid aside for You,

Exalted for You or brought low for You.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and heartily yield all things

To Your pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

You are mine, and I am Yours. So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth,

Let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.