Prayer Starter - Tuesday, July 1, 2025 Who will fill the empty chairs at the Banquet of God?

Luke 14:16-24 - Jesus tells a story about a man who is hosting a large banquet... yet few show up.  “A man was giving a big dinner, and he invited many;  and at the dinner hour he sent his slave to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, because everything is ready now.’ v17 However, they had excuses and did not come.  And the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the roads and the hedges and press upon them to come in, so that my house will be filled. v21. Jesus used this story to illustrate His Father's House - the Church.

Jesus’ invitation to His banquet is not for someday in the distant future—it is for now. The place where we meet Jesus and enter the mystery of God is in this present moment. The past is behind us, the future is not yet here, but now is alive with God’s presence.

Prayer is our way into the “now” of God. He is the God of the present tense. Every breath we take is a sacred reminder that life is a gift from God—a quiet offering of love, not only in moments of prayer, but throughout our day.

God’s invitation comes from the heart. Like a feast prepared for all, His love is wide and generous. Yet in the parable, we see God's sorrow—even anger—when people ignore that invitation. Still, His anger does not last. The empty places at the table are meant to be filled by those who might never have imagined they were welcome. No one is left out. All are invited: to prayer, to love, to worship.  God wants HIs community to be full.

Too easily, we grow numb to the good things we’ve been given. Familiarity can make us forget their richness. So we ask God for hearts as generous as His—open hands, open doors, open tables.

In this moment, let us accept the invitation. Let us be present with the One who delights in our company. Let us live as people who welcome others to the table of God’s grace.


Who will fill the empty chairs at the banquet of God?

God, who are You placing before me?  I have friends and maybe even family, that I pray that they will accept You and become followers of Jesus.  However, it is not about "my wants," it is about Your plans. Lord, I pray this morning, that Your Spirt will identify for me who You are placing before me. Guide me to do or say whatever You need me to, so that they will have a seat at Your Banquet.

May Your Spirit Lead me to One Soul today,

Amen

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