The story in this book is based on the experience of being the younger son, the elder son and the Father. Each chapter begins with “Listening to Jesus” through a poem that captures the theme of the chapter. This poem is then looked at verse by verse to include a quotation from Henri Nouwen’s book
followed by scripture. This is then followed by “Questions to ponder.” I hope you experience the journey as Jesus intended when he originally gave us the parable of the Prodigal and the Loving Father.
In 1991 I received an invitation from Kings Fold Retreat Centre in Southern Alberta to attend a three day retreat with Dr. Henri Nouwen, one of my favourite authors.
Upon arrival, the atmosphere was enthralling. Henri had placed huge posters of Rembrandt’s painting THE RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL throughout the whole building; in the dining room, hallways, meeting rooms. Wherever you went you encountered this life size painting. Henri was in the process of writing a book based on his visit to St. Petersburg, Russia to see Rembrandt’s THE RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL.
Each day, he had us become one person in the painting. The first day I became the prodigal son, the second day I became the elder son, and the third day I became the Father. I experienced freedom and forgiveness, resentment and anger, and the depth of Divine love. This retreat became a most profound experience to this day. This book is based on my experiences, with poetry, quotations from Henri Nouwen’s book and questions to ponder.Glen Carlson
The Return of the Prodigal Son……………………………………………………3
Becoming the Son………………………………………………………………….5
Becoming the Elder Son………………………………………………………..6
Becoming the Father……………………………………………………………..7
Week 1: Growing with the Holy Spirit……………………… 9
Growing with the Holy Spirit…………………………………………….. 10
Growing with the Holy Spirit…………………………………………….. 12
Stages of Growth……………………………………………………………….. 13
Week 2: Coming Home…………………………………………..18
The Temple of the Holy Spirit……………………………………………. 20
Week 3: Inspired by the Spirit………………………………….26
Inspired by the Spirit…………………………………………………………. 28
Week 4: Gifts of the Spirit……………………………………….39
Recycle Your Inheritance……………………………………………………. 41
Receiving Your inheritance Means………………………………………. 42
“Give” “Me” “My” “Inheritance”…………………………………………. 51
Week 5: Witness of the Spirit………………………………….59
Witness of the Spirit in the Far Country…………………………….. 60
Witness of the Spirit………………………………………………………….. 62
Week 6: Conviction of the Spirit……………………………..67
When You Come to Your Senses………………………………………… 68
Conviction of the Spirit……………………………………………………… 69
Week 7: Taught by the Spirit……………………………………75
Taught by the Spirit…………………………………………………………… 76
Hymn (Anonymous)…………………………………………………………. 84
Week 8: Walk with the Spirit…………………………………….85
Week 9: Filled with the Spirit………………………………….96
Filled with the Spirit………………………………………………………….. 98
Attitude of the Father………………………………………………………… 99
Week 10: Heirs of the Spirit…………………………………..106
Put A Ring on His Finger to Become an Heir…………………… 108
Week 11: New Life in the Spirit……………………………..121
Designer Clothes……………………………………………………………… 123
Week 12: Walk in the Spirit…………………………………..130
Walking in the Spirit with New Sandals…………………………… 131
Where are You Going?……………………………………………………… 133
Seven Strategic Mountains That Shape the Culture of Every
Nation……………………………………………………………………….. 134
Week 13: Marriage in the Spirit……………………………..141
Jesus the Bridegroom……………………………………………………….. 142
The Church is the Bride……………………………………………………. 144
Characteristics of Christ’s Bride……………………………………….. 145
