A Prayer About Lost And Found

When I remember what God did for me

MY FATHER,

In Luke 15 Jesus tells three “lost and found” parables. In these stories, something valuable is lost: a helpless animal, an inanimate coin, and a rebellious boy. And on all three occasions, great rejoicing ensues when the lost has been found. I see myself in these situations, Lord. I certainly am dumb enough to wander off from safety. At times I feel just like the coin, seemingly out of sight and forgotten. But mostly I identify with the son, choosing to go my own way. I wandered far from your love and protection. You saw me in my lost condition and yearned to find me. I certainly didn’t deserve or earn your favor, but you sought and saved me. And what really blows me away is the rejoicing part. I did nothing except turn, run to your arms, and accept your embrace. But heaven sings and throws a party! I was lost, but now I’m found—amazing grace!

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, “Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.” In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! Luke 15:4-7