Messages from Pastor Ken

Pray for Joy—Weekday devotions by Rev. Kenneth C. Landin

September 8, 2025. Prayer 2038. Lost in Joy

Jesus teaches us a lot about being lost and found. In the parables of the lost sheep and the woman who lost a coin, faith is the turnaround that ends up in unbridled joy. In Luke 15:10 we hear, “There is joy in the presence of the angels when what was lost is found.” A sheep that wanders away from the flock, the coin that represents financial security is out of reach, lead to great worry, frustration, and concern for well-being. Jesus is not actually talking about animal husbandry or financial management. The point of the lesson is that God is overcome with joy when who was lost returns home!

Dear God, in this world of violence, grant us the prayerful capacity to keep searching and finding the joy of faith. Amen.

September 9, 2025. Prayer 2039. Lost in Grumbling

We take note that Jesus did not grumble nor complain. Jesus pointed out ways to draw nearer to God by faithful living which could be experienced as tough love, but it was done with and expansive, caring and joyful heart. It is so easy for us to let grumbling be our attitude toward the world. In Luke 15:2, the leaders of God’s House of Prayer are shown continually murmuring and grumbling at Jesus who “receives sinners and eats with them.” They forgot their job in the temple was to minister to sinners and restore them in faith. Jesus teaches that only a joyful heart can reach sinners.

Dear God, help me to resist the voices that utter hate and complain about sinners and let me pray joyfully. Amen.

September 10, 2025. Prayer 2040. Lost in Sin

A strong faith informs us of these strong truths: Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Haughty disdain cannot drive out callous disregard, only an embracing joy can do that. Jesus performs miracles that only the Lord can. And the outcome is divine, boundless joy for all concerned. In Luke 15:9, the woman finds her lost coin and then spends it calling “together her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her!” The ancient Bible word for sin means, “missing the mark.” In faith, giving everything over for joy is getting it right.

Dear God, help me to not be so impressed by my sins that I keep missing the mark. Let me be found by your joy. Amen.

September 11, 2025. Prayer 2041. Found by Faith

Acts of great violence take thousands of lives. An assassin takes a life. Innocent children are shot at school. A refugee running from the conflict of nations at war loses her life on the subway at the hands of a random assailant. We ask, where has gone the love of God? In Isaiah 55:6 we hear, “Seek the Lord while God may be found. Call upon the Lord while God is near.” When is the time to pray? Right now without delay. When we forsake wicked acts and unrighteous thoughts, God’s compassion finds us right where we are. God abundantly pardons. We must continually pray.

Dear God, in this deeply troubled world, grant me the disciples to remain deeply in prayer, enacting your ways. Amen.

September 12, 2025. Prayer 2042. Saved by Gladness

Jesus tells a parable about a child who gets really lost. The prodigal son takes his family inheritance early, and loses it all in dissolute living, literally being “unwise with resources.” In abject poverty and despair, the young person remembers that his father was full of compassion, kindness and care for his laborers. Upon return the father embraced him and threw a huge celebration for all in the house saying, “It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for he was dead and is alive; he was lost and is found.” God is glad when a sinner finds the way home. God does not reject the sinner for sinning.

Dear God, in this world of rejecting, blaming and shaming, let my soul be ready to throw a party with gladness. Amen.