Weekly Practice 3/2/26
Make every effort to do or reflect upon this week’s practice with others.
Prayer For the Second Week of Lent
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Scripture
Luke 15:1-7 MSG
By this time a lot of men and women of questionable reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, “He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.” Their grumbling triggered this story.
“Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!’ Count on it—there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.
Practice
Go After the One
Esau McCaulley says that Lent is, among other things, a time for “the reconciliation of those estranged from the church.” A time for welcoming and pursuing, for embodying God’s love for those far from him. Jesus says that God is elated by a single, rescued life.
This week, consider the “one” (or “ones”) in your life. If you need to, ask God to highlight who this is for you. Commit to praying for them on a regular basis, that they would return to Jesus or know him for the first time. Ask God to give you his heart for them. If you feel nudged to do so, reach out to them in whatever way you sense God is asking you to.
I can’t remember if I shared these songs before. Honestly, I don’t care. They’re that good.
All Ye Refugees, Sandra McCracken
Kingdom of God, Jon Guerra
One True Vine, Mavis Staples
