“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ ” – Jesus (Luke 15:4-6 NIV)
I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak… (Ezekiel 34:15-16 NIV)
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. (Luke 19:10 NIV)
Once upon a time when my children were preschoolers, we went with a friend who was babysitting an infant to a children’s museum in the area. Fifteen years later, we’ve seen the girl off and on through the years, but haven’t maintained close connection. Tonight I saw on a friend’s social media post the girl’s name and photo as missing. No contact in over 24 hours; phone is off; no leads on her whereabouts. Just missing. One website says that about 2300 teens go missing each week, some for benign reasons, but others are lost or abducted.* Where could she be?
I don’t know why this girl is missing. I do know that El Roi – the God who Sees – knows where she is. My prayer is that this girl is in a safe place, and will realize that El Roi is watching over her, tenderly caring for her, wanting her to come to a place of peace – and to come home. Would you join me in praying for the lost today?
God,
Your Word tells us that you came to seek and save the lost. Today we pray for this girl and for all those who are missing. El Roi, be very present to each of them. Holy Spirit, speak words of love, encouragement, and hope to their spirits. We pray that they will be returned uninjured, untraumatized, whole, and healthy to their loved ones. We pray for peace for their families as they await answers. We pray for wisdom, discernment, and stamina for law enforcement and others who are searching. Jesus, we pray in your name for the return of these loved ones. AMEN.