Lenten Journey 2009 - Prayer Journal - Day 3

Many people assume that we are called to give something up during Lent, but many of us choose to take on something new during Lent. I have wanted to improve my prayer life for quite a while now. My goal is that through practice and exploring different types of prayer, that I might develop a prayer relationship with our God which lasts well beyond Lent 2009. Through this blog, I hope to journal my prayer activity this Lent. Please feel free to share ideas of methods of prayer which you have found successful. My greatest desire is to learn to "shut up" and listen to God speak to me.

Prayer Journal Entry #3 (Friday, 2.27.09)

*Prayed "Our Father" upon waking
*Read "Reasons for Hope": We are all "Elder Sons" - need to uncover selfishness to bring understanding and to unite families
*Read "Prayer Starters": "Acceptance" - of life's burdens and pray for grace
*Prayed Daily Offering and Pope's Intentions for Feb.
*Stations of the Cross at CTK

Unconditional Love - Return of the Prodigal Son

I loved the book by Fr. Henri Nouwen, Return of the Prodigal Son. Yes, this is from the parable of Jesus, but also, his interpretation of the painting by Rembrandt. I have seen a mural of this same painting in a confessional at a Catholic church in the Memphis area. What a wonderful visual to come to understand the Father's (God's) unconditional love for each of us!



I hope that I have moved beyond the time of being the Prodigal Son. The time of running carefree and swandering riches and being consumed by material things. I feel that I am now somewhat like the Elder Son. He felt that he was serving his "father", but couldn't understand why he "suffered" while others (his prodigal brother) received a fatted calf and a ring on his finger when he returned. The elder son is a time of being concerned for others, but often we become jealous of others who receive blessings even though they do not seem worthy.

May the day come soon when I can honestly live with the unconditional love as modeled by Christ. It seems that the Father's unconditional love (that which comes without strings attached or expectations) comes to most when they are older. To emulate Christ is a worthy goal since he told us that he would lead us to the Father.

When you look at Rembrandt's painting, do you pity the prodigal son, do you think that he is undeserving, do you rejoice that he has returned? With God's love, may we remember that His love is beyond measure. Just because my neighbor (whether friend or foe) has received many blessings, does not mean that God will not give me blessings as well. His love is not a competition. As mentioned in another blog, Christ is knocking at the door to my heart to offer me His unconditional love, may I not only open that door and welcome Him in, but also, may I offer others this same love. Peace!