A royal ruler arranging a marriage celebration for his son

Welcome God's rule with joy and give the Son the place of honor

Treat God's rule mainly as a set of duties to complete

Try to earn your place by proving your worth first

Keep your distance and focus on your own plans

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and tried to live on my own terms. I need your mercy. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and confess you as Lord. Bring me into your kingdom and teach me to honor you as my King. Amen.

Receive the King's Son

Lord, awaken your Church to the joy of your kingdom. Forgive us for treating your reign like a burden instead of a celebration centered on your Son. Renew our love, deepen our reverence, and make us live with glad obedience for his honor, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Revive Your People for the Son

Father, thank you that your kingdom is not empty or cold, but full of joy and purpose. Thank you for the Son, and for the grace that brings him honor. Help my heart to rejoice in what you have prepared, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Thank You for Your Generous Kingdom

Begin by naming God as King, then ask him to center your heart on his Son. Tell him where duty has crowded out joy, and ask for one clear step of loving obedience today.

Pray to Live Ready for the King

Bring these to God: people who need to recognize Jesus at the center of God's reign; hearts that have reduced faith to duty; opportunities for others to notice the goodness and joy of the King.

Pray for Others to See the Son

Bring these to God: a willing heart under his reign; a deeper honor for the Son; a delight that matches the joy of his kingdom; habits that keep Jesus first before your own plans.

A Heart Ready for the Feast

Ὡμοιώθη{ho-mee-O-thee###hoh-mee-OH-thee###Was likened} ἡ{HEE###HEE###the} βασιλεία{va-si-LEE-a###vah-si-LEE-ah###kingdom} τῶν{TON###TOHN###of the} οὐρανῶν{oo-ra-NON###oo-rah-NOHN###heavens} ἀνθρώπῳ{an-THRO-po###ahn-THROH-poh###to a man} βασιλεῖ,{va-si-LEE###vah-si-LEE###a king} ὅστις{HOS-tis###HOHS-tees###who} ἐποίησεν{e-PEE-ee-sen###eh-PEE-ee-sehn###gave} γάμους{GA-moos###GAH-moos###a wedding feast} τῷ{TO###TOH###for (the)} υἱῷ{hee-O###hee-OH###son} αὐτοῦ.{af-TOO###ahf-TOO###his}

Matthew 22:2 — FormalTAB

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