This post is the fifth and last post in a series concerning parables. For the most part, these posts contained excerpts from the third chapter (A Parable Prayer) of my book A Catholic Prays Scripture – Volume 4: concerning God’s “word” and the “future.” The first post in this series was posted on May 17, 2026.

Hopefully you learned a few things from the first two posts and found some humor in the parables of sausage and golf. 

Most of the chapters in my A Catholic Prays Scripture series start with a prayer (like the one shown below). Then I explain the prayer and delve into some of the related theological issues. As I explain the prayer, I compare each of the “prayer verses” (like the ones shown below) with the “inspirational verses” form the Bible [as identified by the brackets]. In this series, I am ending with a prayer. 

The prayer below was organized around the parable categories of “the kingdom,” “grace,” and “judgment” (as discussed in a previous post).

Without further ado, I present “A Parable Prayer.”

Heavenly Father: [Mt 18:35] 

What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? [Lk 13:18]

What parable can you use for it? [Mk 4:30]

+++ THE KINGDOM +++

Jesus spoke at length – in parables – concerning your "kingdom." [Mk 13:3]

The kingdom of heaven is like yeast; when mixed with flour, the whole batch rises. [Mt 13:33]

The kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea; it collects fish of every kind. [Mt 13:47]

The kingdom of heaven is like a fine pearl; the merchant sold everything to secure it. [Mt 13:45-46]

The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the land. [Mk 4:26]

Some seed falls on good soil and produces fruit a hundredfold. [Lk 8:8]

The seed sprouts and grows, I know not how. [Mk 4:27]

When the grain is ripe the harvest begins. [Mk 4:29]

Whoever has ears ought to hear. [Mt 13:9]

+++ GRACE +++

Jesus spoke at length – in parables – concerning your "grace." [Mk 13:3]

The master, moved with compassion, forgave his servant's loan. [Mt 18:27]

The barren fig tree was fertilized; that it might bear fruit in the future. [Lk 13:8-9]

The shepherd rejoiced when he found his lost sheep. [Lk 15:5-6]

The fattened calf was slaughtered for the feast, when the prodigal son was found – when he came to life again. [Lk 15:23-24]

Blessed are those who will dine in the kingdom of God. [Lk 14:15]

O God, be merciful to me a sinner. [Lk 18:13]

Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son. [Lk 15:21]

Like the prodigal son, I have squandered my inheritance. [Lk 15:13]

+++ JUDGMENT +++

Jesus spoke at length – in parables – concerning your "judgment." [Mk 13:3]

The vineyard owner gave his workers what was just; [Mt 20:3-4]

including those who bore the day's burden and the heat. [Mt 20:11-12]

Much is required of those entrusted with much. [Lk 12:47-48]

Many are invited, but few are chosen. [Mt 22:14]

Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear. [Lk 14:35]

+++

Heavenly Father, bless me that I might inherit your kingdom. [Mt 25:34]

Help me understand all these things – all of the parables. [Mt 13:51]

I pray that someday you can say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Come, share my joy."' [Mt 25:21]