The Prodigal Son
Read some poetry connected to the story of the prodigal son and reflect on its meaning.
This poems are from the English Standard Version of the Bible.
Psalms 51
Reflect on Psalms 51:1-5, 8-12 and its connection to the main story.
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Discussion Questions
Compare the story to Psalms 51. What themes and ideas do you see in common?
Think about God in this poem in comparison with the father in the story. What connections do you see?
How does the the first two verses set the tone for the whole poem?
What does the relationship between God and the author of the poem look like?