If you have a prodigal child, be ready to pray many times with tears that pour out of your broken heart. None of us desire for our children to make decisions that can cause them any suffering or struggles, and so often, we will cry as we cry out to God for them. I see this as watering our prayers. In this book, the prayer of Day 9 titled, “The Son of These Tears,” Mr Banks mentions the mother of St Augustine who prayed over her own prodigal for years and years before God turned his heart toward the righteous path his mother had longed for him to walk upon. What an inspiring relationship to bring to mind as we pray for our own prodigals, right? Mr Banks says, “‘It is not possible that the son of these tears should perish.’ Those words spoken to a mother centuries ago as she prayed for her son encourage me too, Lord. Not only did You save her son, Augustine, but You used him to bring many others to You!” (p26) What a great reminder that God can change any situation, at any time, to the glory of His Name! And the tears of St Monica, St Augustine’s mother, watered all her prayers which helped bring about an amazing harvest! God can do with our tearful prayers the same thing, My Friends.
Again whether you are praying for your own prodigal, or that of a friend, sincerely heartfelt prayers can be very powerful. I shared this verse before, but it is so important to share it here again: James 5:16b “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” First, it is important to understand that we become righteous once we surrender our hearts to Jesus as Lord and Savior. This righteousness is a gift God grants us at Salvation. It is a seed implanted into our hearts which becomes an identity marker of who we are in Christ. Second, this does not mean we will always act righteous. This is what Sanctification brings about. The more we grow into the likeness of Jesus, the more this righteousness within becomes evident through our words and actions. So this verse above, applies to everyone who is born again. In Christ, we are righteous. The key to this power is the sincere heartfelt prayer. This is not a casual, “Oh Lord I hope my kid will be ok.”! It is a heart wrenching, desperate plea to the only One who can change our child’s heart and direction in life. This devotion to praying often causing our bodies to weep…and I just want you to know this is not only ok, it is so very good! Think “Jesus wept” here. (Jn 11:35) There is great power in our wholehearted prayers. I will leave you with this verse: “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” (Ps 126:5) Be assured, God is listening.
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
