In Mr Banks’ introduction, he states “Prodigals are an especially precious gift because they teach as much, including patience, the depth of our own need for forgiveness, and continual dependence on God in prayer.” (p9) As I said yesterday, God understands the hearts of parents with prodigal children because He has millions of them! Like that son in the parable, we think we know better than the father about how life should be lived. Hopefully, when we get to the end of ourselves, we learn what this wayward son learned, there is no better place to live than in our Father’s house.
To be aware of God’s real Presence in and around us, to be connected with God in real, practical ways, to sense His guidance and wisdom and comfort etc, during our day to day lives…oh my Friends, this is the Abundant Life, and it is most precious. Even when I am acting like a spoiled brat, to know that God will never leave me nor forsake me, that He will patiently wait for me to come to my senses and humbly return to His side…oh I cannot even begin to express how relieving and assuring and comforting it is to truly know God is real, God really loves me, and God really has a good plan for my life, even if I struggle with His Lordship over it. God does not desire us to be a prodigal, just like no parent wants to have a child that goes astray either, yet He understands our uncooperative, stubborn ways. And as we pray for our own prodigal, or that of a friend’s, we can understand God’s heart for us a bit deeper too. I think, for me, this is where the power of this book and its prayers centers. I learn to be a bit more obedient, as I sense the pain we prodigal parents experience with our own rebellious children. Anything that helps us come back to the Father, and live with Him in unity and harmony, is a very precious gift indeed.
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
