We are a broken, divided family
of lonely individuals,
each alone;
truly, we’re not a family.
Communication with each other
seems impossible,
and love vanishes into the void.
Yet both are what we desperately need.
We all need and want
each other,
but we’re too proud to admit it,
or to confess
what we’re each to blame
for our separation,
loneliness, and pain.
We add brick upon brick
to the wall that divides
and isolates us.

You alone are our hope,
O God of our salvation.
Your love breaks down
walls that isolate and divide us.
Your love heals, forgives,
and makes us whole again.
Restore us, O God of our salvation.
Reconcile us,
that we may be a family,
and live.

Vienna Cobb Anderson, Episcopal Priest from Virginia
The Complete Book of Christian Prayer

 

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Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. 

When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.  

So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 

    ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, 

    ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf 

     because he has him back safe and sound.’
The older brother became angry and refused to go in. 

So his father went out and pleaded with him. 

But he answered his father, 

    ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you 

     and never disobeyed your orders. 

    Yet you never gave me even a young goat 

     so I could celebrate with my friends. 

    But when this son of yours 

     who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, 

     you kill the fattened calf for him!’

 

__________________

Question

What relationships are broken 

    and need God to work restoration and reconciliation?