The Hollywood Prayer Network On CompassionSample

A FATHER HAS COMPASSION ON HIS CHILDREN

"Compassion is sometimes the fatal capacity for feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else's skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too." Frederick Buechner

PRAY: Dear Jesus, just as the father had compassion on his prodigal son, I thank You that You have compassion on me. And I want to have compassion on my children. Let me fear You and embrace Your unconditional compassion for me and then let me be the same to other people. I want to be a compassionate parent, boss, child, friend, and co-worker, so please help me fear You and trust You for that. Amen and Amen.

REFLECT:  Have you ever thought of the prodigal son as a story of selfless compassion? The father, who represents God, not only accepted his son back home after he betrayed him, but he threw his arms around him and kissed him! Compassion is a completely selfless act. You can't think about how you've been treated or how you feel. You have to put aside your emotions and act out of obedience to people who have hurt you or done you wrong. And if you fear God, you will see that your selfless compassion has eternal significance for both the person to whom you're showing compassion and for yourself. 

ACT:  Re-read the story of the prodigal son and see that the son didn't deserve the compassion his father showed him, but because of it, his heart melted and he was able to accept the love that was offered to him - without strings attached. Who do you need to selflessly embrace? Who do you need to run up to and kiss, instead of waiting for them to come to you to ask forgiveness first? Show radical love and compassion today, run to someone who doesn't deserve it and offer Christ-like compassion. It will be life-changing for both of you!