To Warmly Welcome the Wandering
Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. Today in your churches, there will be believers returning for worship for the first time in months or even years. Some may be members of their respective congregations, while others are not. First and foremost, provide exactly what they need to hear through the proclamation of your Word. Allow a clear preaching of the law to do what you intend, and a clear preaching of the gospel to do what only it can. Shelter these returning believers from snarky or thoughtless comments from their fellow Christians, ensuring that they are eagerly welcomed with joyful delight of the father in Luke 15. Let their experience feel to them like a homecoming, with their family of believers excited to rekindle their relationships and once again walk together in faith.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.