The Savior's Love for the Lost, Part II

Are you not glad for the Savior's love for the lost?  In these verses Jesus employs yet another story to communicate His love the lost.  Two Key Observations:  1.  Observe the ____________________________of this woman's search (vs. 8).   2.  Observe the _________________________of this woman's finding that which was lost. (vs.9).   Does prayer change the mind of God?  No. There is no evidence in Scripture that prayer alters the plans and purposes of the Father.  Then why do we pray?  Simple.  Christ has commanded us to pray.  It is not a matter of "if" we pray; rather, it is a matter of "when."  Furthermore, prayer is not our attempt to align God with our desires, wants, plans and purposes.  It is by this personal fellowship with the Father that He aligns us with what He is doing.  Prayer is such a privilege, yet also a duty.  And all disciples are called upon to engage in prayer.  God has been pleased to ordain the ends and the means to those ends.  One of those means is prayer.  So, pray without ceasing.  Pray about all things.  Thank you for your presence here this morning.  God bless you!