Joy In Heaven

Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 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 people 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

Creator God you love us all

aching for us in our sorrows

rejoicing with us in our progress

and being the source of all our joy.

The losses in our lives pile up

we ache for those who have left us

yet we trust in all your promises

that they have found their joy with you.

We often wander away in our pain

and leave the fold to seek the new

yet you wait with hope for our return

and call us close to your loving heart.

Make us those who daily return

carrying your love and joy with us

help us to stand with the sorrowing

and sing with those who have lost their voice. Amen.