# Draw Us Back to God: A Lenten Reflection
*2015-12-11*

> Bill Young reflects on the Ephesians passage about redemption and offers a prayer asking God to draw us back to Himself, while noting upcoming Advent prayers with Pope Francis and the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

## Opening Scripture and Prayer

Good afternoon. This is Bill Young, and welcome to the Prayer at Lunch podcast. Today is Friday, the second week of Lent, and the title is “Draw Us Back to You.” Our reading comes from Ephesians 1:7: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”

I offered this prayer: “O God, you never forget us, but watchfully and lovingly wait for the desire to return home to be reborn in our hearts. When we hint at that desire, often unconsciously, you are immediately with us. By your forgiveness you light the path of conversion and return.”

## Opening Our Hearts to God

We are continuing our series on opening our hearts to God, praying through Advent with Pope Francis. The Pope’s Advent reflections invite us to make space for God’s light in the darkness of our lives, to listen attentively, and to respond with love.

## Looking Ahead: Guadalupe and Mercy Hour

Tomorrow, December 12, we will celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a powerful reminder of God’s love for the poor and marginalized. We also keep our daily Mercy Hour at 4 p.m., a time to pause and ask for God’s compassion to flow through us.

*May God’s grace continually draw us back to Him, lighting our path of conversion.*