Luke 14:15-24

15    When one of the dinner guests heard Jesus’ remarks, he said to Jesus, “Happy are those who will feast in God’s kingdom.” 

16    Jesus replied, “A certain man hosted a large dinner and invited many people.  ¹⁷  When it was time for the dinner to begin, he sent his servant to tell the invited guests, ‘Come! The dinner is now ready.’  ¹⁸  One by one, they all began to make excuses. The first one told him, ‘I bought a farm and must go and see it. Please excuse me.’  ¹⁹  Another said, ‘I bought five teams of oxen, and I’m going to check on them. Please excuse me.’  ²⁰  Another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’  ²¹  When he returned, the servant reported these excuses to his master. The master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go quickly to the city’s streets, the busy ones and the side streets, and bring the poor, crippled, blind, and lame.’  ²²  The servant said, ‘Master, your instructions have been followed and there is still room.’  ²³  The master said to the servant, ‘Go to the highways and back alleys and urge people to come in so that my house will be filled. 

Listening to God: I have prepared wonderful things for you – a veritable feast of blessings and joys.  Why don’t you show up to claim them?  You keep busy with your “to-do list” and put me last on the agenda.  I, however, continue to invite.  Try putting the to-do list aside for a while and spend time with me.  My greatest gifts are given to those who do this.  I can make it all go so much better than you ever dreamed.  As you rest in my presence, I will give you everything you need.

Journal or lift up your prayers and reflections to God.  

*Our season of prayer guide comes from Joan Gray’s book, Sailboat Church: Helping Your Church Rethink Its Mission and Practice.