“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NRSV)
Here is the link for the March 23, 2025 worship service: https://youtu.be/IAwK97NF9hU
Sunday, March 30, 2025 – Worship at 10:45 a.m.
Fourth week of Lent
Scriptures for this week: Joshua 5:9‒12, Psalm 32, 2 Corinthians 5:16‒21, Luke 15:1‒3, 11b‒32
Scripture to Ponder: Psalm 32 & Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Life often takes us down unexpected paths, and we can easily find ourselves feeling distant, lost, or disconnected—not only from others but sometimes from our own sense of purpose or faith. Just like the Prodigal Child, we may pursue what we think we want, only to realize it leads to emptiness or regret. The journey back can feel daunting or even humbling, as we confront our mistakes, but the waiting arms of love are always there when we choose to return.
In our daily lives, we experience this human longing for connection and reconciliation. Whether it’s with a friend, a loved one, or even our own hearts, we know how painful it can be to feel distant, disconnected, or unworthy of love and acceptance. Yet, there’s a deep part of us that knows, when we choose to humble ourselves and seek restoration, we’ll find grace waiting—not as punishment, but as an embrace.
God’s patience mirrors the patience we need in our human relationships: the ability to wait with hope, without rushing, without forcing things to happen before their time. Just as we long for those we care about to come back to us, God longs for us to return to the Divine. It’s not about a hurried fixing of mistakes—it’s about the restoration of a relationship.
How does the forgiveness described in Psalm 32 impact your understanding of God’s grace? In what areas of your life might you need to experience this kind of forgiveness, and how can you begin to embrace it fully?
The older son feels overlooked and resentful of his father’s celebration for the returning son. What does this reveal about our human tendency to compare ourselves to others? How can we guard against envy and embrace God’s grace for all who are lost and found, regardless of our own “faithfulness”?
Let’s pray…
Gracious and loving God,
We come before You today with heavy hearts, burdened by the rising cost of living, economic turmoil, soaring bills, the disruption caused by travel bans, and the painful reality of mass deportations. We lift up all those suffering in silence, those displaced from their homes, separated from loved ones, and facing the deep loneliness and fear that accompany such struggles. We acknowledge that fear and isolation are not to be undermined, as they weigh heavily on many hearts. Lord, in Your mercy, provide for those in need, and may Your faithfulness be evident in every provision, both large and small.
We pray for the neighboring nations receiving displaced individuals, asking for compassion, wisdom, and strength to welcome and care for those who are suffering. Open hearts to empathy, and guide these nations to offer shelter, safety, and hope to those who are vulnerable.
We lift up the leaders of nations, asking that You grant them wisdom, discernment, and hearts open to dialogue, forgiveness, and peace. Help them to make decisions that reflect mercy, justice, and the dignity of every person. May they lay down their weapons, seek peaceful solutions, and find space for reconciliation, recognizing the deep pain and suffering the world has already endured.
God, amidst global crises—economic, political, personal, and the trauma of displacement—we cry out for healing. Heal the wounds of division, poverty, and isolation. Bring peace where there is war, hope where there is despair, and joy where there is grief. Help us to reflect Your grace, offering compassion to the lost, the hurting, and the broken.
In a world filled with anger, resentment, and fear, help us guard against envy and comparison, and may we rejoice in the return of the lost. Let Your grace flow freely, bringing restoration, peace, and light to the darkest places of conflict and division.
Lord, we trust in Your sovereignty. Strengthen us to endure, grant us wisdom to navigate these challenges, and guard our hearts with Your peace. May we be agents of healing and hope, shining Your light in a world desperate for Your love and grace. May we be a people marked by faith, compassion, and a deep commitment to reconciliation.
We place our trust in You, our refuge and strength. In Your holy name, Amen.
Trinity United Church 