Lost Sheep

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. “Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:1-10 

Lost Sheep

O great Creator, shepherd of all

you tell us you seek out the lost

you are constant in your love

you rejoice when the lost is found.

We are your people yet we wander

we pursue our dangerous courses

thinking we know a better way

and find ourselves bleating in the wilds.

We belong to you, yet we stray

yet even now you are seeking us still

even now despite all the wandering

you ache to bring us back home.

Help us to see how lost we are

strengthen us to cry out for you

let you love be the steady beacon

that draws us back to your arms. Amen.