The Heart of the Shepherd: Seeking the Lost
OPENING PRAYER:
Jesus, our Good Shepherd, guide us to seek out those who are lost and to love them with Your compassion and grace. May our hearts align with Yours in this mission.
"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 (NIV)
REFLECT:
Pastor Elliott's message emphasized the importance of caring for those who are lost, drawing from Jesus' parable of the lost sheep. This story illustrates God's heart for the one who is far from Him, highlighting the joy in heaven when a sinner repents.
In the message, Rodney challenged us to examine whether we truly care for those in darkness. He shared his own struggle with this question, encouraging us to seek a heart transformation through prayer. This transformation aligns our desires with God's, enabling us to love others as He does.
The parable reminds us that every person matters to God. He is not content with the ninety-nine; He seeks the one who is lost. As His followers, we are called to join in this pursuit, to leave our comfort zones and reach out to those who need His love.
Reflect on your own life. Are there people you have overlooked or dismissed? Ask God to open your eyes to those who are lost and to give you the courage to reach out to them. Remember, there is great rejoicing in heaven over each soul that is found.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will pray for God to change my heart for the one He has placed in my life.
Be part of a unified movement of prayer by texting PRAYER to (316) 444-4180.
You’ll receive a weekly reminder every Wednesday at 1:54 PM to pray for your “one.” The time is inspired by Luke 15:4, where the shepherd goes after the one lost sheep. This is a simple way to join with others across our church community—wherever you are—as we commit to praying together through November 26. Even when we're apart, we can still be part of something bigger than ourselves
CLOSING PRAYER:
Good Shepherd, thank You for seeking us when we were lost. Help us to have Your heart for others and to rejoice in the salvation of each soul. May we be faithful in seeking the lost and sharing Your love. Amen.