Embrace of Compassion

Day 9

Once again, I am happy to welcome Pastor Eric Brooks from Strathcona Baptist Church as our guest writer for today’s post.

Day 9 reading: Luke 15:11-20

(Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash)

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” -Luke 15:20

A Prayer:

God of all compassion,

During the Christmas season, our culture calls us to generosity and kindness. It invites us to give from our abundance, to share with the “less fortunate,” and to feel good about our acts of charity. But you, Jesus, call us to be like your Father. 

Father, in your great compassion for us, you run to us while we are still a long way off, and you throw your arms around us and kiss us! You look at the far horizon and wait for our return. You call us by name; you call us home; you welcome us as sons and celebrate our being alive!

Abba, we have received your compassion and felt your embrace! May we be moved by your compassion towards us, and embrace our wayward brother! May we know that everything you have is ours, and from the comfort of always being with you, may our hearts be stirred by compassion. O Father, like your Son Jesus, may we see the crowds harassed and helpless and be moved by compassion! In the name of Jesus, may our acts of generosity and kindness overflow from the grace we have received, and not from the overflow of the things that we posses! O God, fill our hearts with compassion: this Advent, this Christmas, this New Year, and every day to follow. Amen.

Missed a day? No problem! You can find previous posts here.