Abiding Together S07 Episode 9: The Return of the Prodigal Son Book Study Part 4 - The Father
The Father
In this episode, we continue with Part 4 of our book study on The Return of the Prodigal Son and talk about God the Father. We discuss the failure of earthly and spiritual fathers and how God wants to restore our understanding of His fatherhood. We also talk about the mercy of the Father, the invitation to receive His blessing, and how the Father's heart burns for us to come home to Him.
Sister Miriam’s one thing - Come Out of Hiding - Stephanie Gretzinger and Celebrate Me Home - Kenny Loggins
Michelle’s one thing - Marie Miller’s New Album - Little Dreams (Watch the video here!) and the Mother Teresa sticker from @redeemed_free
Heather’s one thing - Family and community
(And hey, Louisiana!!)
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Additional Resources
Heather loves you, so she made a playlist for you! Return to the Father's Love playlist on Spotify.
Announcements!
The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study is The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. You can still join us! Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.)
The Abiding Together shop has new items! We have a new journal and a new mug inspired by Henri Nouwen, created just for this Lenten book study!
Discussion questions:
- What struck you from the podcast?
- How can you create space to hear the Father speak blessing to you?
- What are the words of blessing God wants you to hear in this moment?
- In light of all the abuses in the Church, how can you yourself “lean in in love” rather than letting discouragement drive you away from God?
- How does God need to restore your understanding of Him as a loving, faithful Father?
Journal Questions:
- Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 15:11-32. What does it speak to you personally this time?
- What are areas of your life where you believe the lie thatGod must be irritated with you?
- Do you imagine God as speaking blessing or condemnation toward you?
- When your models of fatherhood have failed you, how has that affected your sense of God as Father? What is God trying to tell you about himself as Father?
Quote to Ponder - “As Rembrandt approached death, he chose to portray a very still Father who recognizes his son not with the eyes of the body, but with the inner eye of his heart.” - Henri Nouwen
Scripture for Lectio Divina - Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son