There are so many great prayers in this book, as well as insightful articles, that I cannot possibly get to all of them this month, so I do hope you will invest your time in reading, and praying, through this book yourselves. I will spend the rest of our time in this book mentioning some of the prayers I have found most influential. Today I will point us to Day 36 titled “For Chains to Fall.” Sadly, when we sin we think we are chasing after things that will bring us freedom, but they only end up doing the complete opposite. Sin enslaves us by controlling our actions. We become so obsessed with the sin that it determines the way we think, how we feel and what we want. It consumes out time, our resources and our attention. And too often, it does all this without us even realizing it! Our children need to understand this fact. We all need to understand this fact. Sin leads us away from freedom and towards chains.
Here is a select example of the strong prayer Mr Banks encourages us to lift towards God:
“You’ve broken so many chains, Lord! You did it for Joseph in Prison (Genesis 41:14)…My son has his chains too, Lord. They’re not made of iron. They’re made from sins he forged of his own free will, thinking they would bring him more freedom. They’ve done anything but that…. Help him to see that when he is conformed ‘to the pattern of this world’ (Romans 12:2), it is the worst kind of slavery: ‘bondage to decay’ (Romans 8:21)…. I pray that the things that once captivated him will lose their lure, and he will understand they are ‘the devil’s trap’ (1Timothy 3:7)…. You’ve set so many free, Father! I ask that you do the same for my son.” (pp76-77)
Setting the captives free. This is one of the countless wonderful things Jesus has come to do. Let’s pray for broken chains today.
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
