Meeting with the Father

Lucy Whitmore developed a special burden for families. Born of royal lineage in 1798, when she was just 26, she published Family Prayers for Every Day of the Week, hoping to help families pray more effectively.

The eighth of these prayers proved particularly popular. This prayer, “Father, again in Jesus’ Name we meet,” was inspired by the story of the Prodigal Son. In this parable, Jesus described how this son “wasted all his money in wild living.” He “became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him.”

Desperate, he returned home, knowing he had wasted all that his father had given him. Not knowing what to expect, he was amazed by the love shown by his father.

Lucy knew it was important for every family member to remember this story. Like the Prodigal Son, we are to approach our Heavenly Father with humility and reverence. We need to remember that He loves us, and that we depend on His mercy, and we should sing His praise.

We bless Him for His “ceaseless care.” We look around every day and see how His arm has encircled us. Even though we are unworthy, He showers us with “boundless love.” Like the Prodigal Son, we may stray, but can know that He is ready to welcome us back.

Lucy felt it was important for everyone remember this message. That in His name “all fullness dwells.” That His love is all-excelling. That because of the blood Jesus shed for our sins, the Father is ready to open mercy’s gate and take us in.

Lucy’s words became a hymn that underscored her message, reminding us that God stands ready to receive us and forgive us of any sins, and He loves us.