The Parable of the Prodigal Son. At one time or another, we have all been prodigals of our Holy Father. It is when we come to the end of ourselves, and hopefully, finally come to our senses, that we surrender ourselves to God and He restores us into His Forever Family. Yet if we do become His, let us be careful not to become like the older brother in this story. His self-righteousness was keeping him away from praying for his lost brother to be found, from rejoicing that his dead brother was now alive. We need to pray for everyone, without judgment, but with much sincerely, heartfelt intercession.
Praying is simply talking to God and revealing our hearts to Him, then sitting in His Presence so He may reveal His heart to us. As I have said, prayer is always meant to be a dialogue. This may take some practice, but the more we desire to hear from Him, the more open we will be so we can hear from Him. Many times, I use the prayers in this book as a spring board for my own dialogue with God. As I focus on the particular topic of that day, my own words come flooded out of me towards God, and then I can sense His direction or peace. And I can confidently follow God’s lead or rest in Him as I trust Him to do what only He can, capture and change my prodigal’s heart.
This month, I was only able to get through 2/3 of this amazing book, so I do hope you will check it out. The wisdom Mr Banks shares is too good not to review over and over again. Once again, all our youth are in desperate need of prayer. If you are not sure how to pray, then please pick up this book and dive in. In addition, the parents with prodigals out there need to be praying and need the Church’s help to be in prayer along side of them. The enemy and this world want nothing else but to capture our children for their our evil desires. Let’s not let that happen by uniting with God and one another in prayer for them.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
<>< Peace, Diane
