31 Days of Prayers for Prodigals ~ For Chains to Fall I have been praying through James Banks book Prayers

for Prodigals and decided to discipline myself to pray for prodigals and their families for 90 days...Yes!...That's how many prayers are in this wonderful book. So my daughter suggested that I go ahead and do the 31 days ~ a challenge to post all through the month of October with the rest of the incredible, encouraging delightful bloggers out there, and share what I have been given to share. So here goes... Day 1 ~ For Chains to Fall One of our very good friends and a brother in Christ is a returned prodigal... His story is a little different than ours, as he ran from God when both his parents died in a car wreck when he was 18. For 12 years he ran from the pain...ran from God... Today he is a man of God. He has a wife and 3 beautiful children. Circumstances have been very rough lately. When he returned he did not have parents to return to...he had to face an immense loneliness that very few of us have had to face... He is a horse-shoer and he writes a blog...this is what he shared today after writing about all that he had to do to replace the handle of a very important tool...his hammer. "Today I have a hammer handle that feels amazing, does it's job very well, is easy on my hand as I drive nails. Yet it holds the scars of being driven in a spot not large enough for it, burnt by fire, infused with green poison, all to make it into the exact utensil desired. That's kinda how Yahweh does with us sometimes. We see constant failure in life...He sees perseverance in the making. We see loneliness...He sees someone being groomed to stand alone in the gap. We see hurt and heartbreak...He sees someone being given a huge, unique, dose of compassion. We see persecution and shame...He sees someone being refined by fire. Little bits of our old self being stripped away and cast aside in a pile of ash; spent and beaten we emerge a vessel worthy to be called a fellow heir to the Throne. Always will we bear the scars of the fire, the hammer of the Master as He buffets our soul. Refining us with every blow. Until we are made to fit His hand perfectly, to be wielded by the Master for His perfect purpose." ~ A Journey to True Freedom Wouldn't it be wonderful to hear your prodigal utter words like this? It takes deep refining that only God can do in our prodigal's lives and in our own lives as well. .................................................................................. "He brought them our of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains." Psalms 107:14 "My son has his chains too, Lord. They're not made of iron. They're made from the sins he forged of his own free will, thinking they would bring him more freedom. They've done anything but that. They've only kept him from coming closer to you. You promised that "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36) Your word says, "The Lord sets prisoners free" (Psalms 146:7) Set him free, Lord! He needs You to break his chains. I ask to hear the sound of chains falling with a dull thud, never to be put on again. I long to hear my son say, "The Lord has done great things" for me and I am "filled with joy" (Psalms 126:3) ~Prayer by James Banks

Day 2 ~ He Has Been There "And when He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, 'If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.'" Luk19: 41-42 My heart weeps every time I read this scripture...it reminds me of a blog post I wrote called Deep Communion with the Almighty...

Jesus knows how you feel, because He has been there. "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me." Isaiah 1:2 We long for our prodigals to know the Truth...to know His peace, but "it is hidden from their eyes". James Banks ~ "If I have such longing about one child, I can only begin to imagine how You feel about an entire city! You understand completely what it is like to have a prodigal child. Some people cannot understand because they haven't had a prodigal child. You know what it's like to have a world full of prodigal children and only one child who did what was right- Your Son and our Savior!" Praying for our prodigal's eyes to be opened so they may see what is TRUE, so they may see Jesus... Day 3 ~ The Narrow Gate "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7: 13-14 This scripture today made me think of another one... "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." Mark 10:25 I love the explanation I've heard before of a camel overloaded and carrying many burdens, but in order to go through the gate of the city called "The Eye of a Needle", all the burdens had to be taken off and the camel wouldhave to squeeze through this narrow gate on his knees...which was almost impossible. But another explanation has been brought to my attention saying that in Aramaic there may be a different meaning... "The Aramaic word gamla means camel, a large rope and a beam. The meaning of the word is determined by its context. If the word riding or burden occurs then gamla means a camel, but when the eye of a needle is mentioned gamla more correctly means a rope. There is no connection anywhere in Aramaic speech or literature between camel and needle, but there is a definite connection between rope and needle." ~ Dr. George Lamsa It makes sense that Jesus would say that it is easier to for a "rope" to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Either way, though, we know that the cares of the world, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life need to be done away with to enter into the perfect will of God. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." 1 John 2:15-17 Praying for our prodigals today that they will desire to seek the narrow way and put off the burdens that keep them from walking close to Christ. As James Banks prays, "Direct their feet from the broad way "that leads to destruction" and on to the narrow road "that leads to life" that "only a few find." Bring them to the place where they can genuinely ask, "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" Mark 8:36 Day 4 ~ Snatched From the Fire "Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them." Jude 22-23 "He's been playing with fire, Lord, and he doesn't even know it. He thinks he's having 'a good time' doing whatever he wants to do. He doesn't realize that "there is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 14:12) Father, the thought of my son being anywhere near the vicinity of "the fire of hell" (Matthew 18:9) is almost too painful for me to bear." ~ James Banks I'm sure you have felt this way, and that you would do anything to save your son or daughter...to fix things... But most of the time prodigals don't listen, especially to their parents. I'm sure you have seen that blank look in their eyes. The look of shutting you off. They don't want to hear what you have to say. They want to go their own way and rationalize their sin. James Banks continues..."I ask that You use me in whatever way You want to save my own son. Whatever it takes, Lord." For me, personally, this was getting out of the way. It may be different for you...but whatever God leads you to do, prayer and trust are vitally important. Praying today for your sons and daughters, even for prodigal mothers and fathers, that Jesus, You will save them, that You

will snatch them from the fire, that You will give them eyes to see where they are headed...And Father I pray for the intercessors, the mothers here, and fathers, that they would hear your voice, know your desire for them and please build their trust in You. Thank you, Father, for Your loving-kindness to us and Your answers to our prayers. You are ever merciful and faithful. Day 5 ~ Abounding Grace "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8 From Prayers for Prodigals ~ "Sometimes I don't feel like I have much grace, Father. My child knows just the right "buttons" to push and sometimes even seems to enjoy pushing them. We need more grace at home, Lord! There's been too much tension lately. Sometimes we are so focused on the negative that we lose sight of positive things. Help me to "give thanks in all circumstances," because that is exactly what you want me to do (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Help me to never lose sight of the truth that "the joy of the Lord" is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10) I need to be filled with your joy, Father! I don't want my son to see my faith as simply as set of 'dos and don'ts', I want him to see You in me! Give me grace to grow all of the fruit of your Spirit "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23) I pray you would also give him grace, Lord. I ask for grace to discipline him with the love and wisdom you alone can give, so that I may show him "the way of life" (Proverbs 6:23), because your word says "he who loves" is careful to discipline (Proverbs 13:24)" ~ James Banks Praying for you today... May grace abound in your hearts and homes today. May God's grace like a beautiful cloud by day cover your relationships...and like a fire at night consume any evil and light the way to open the eyes of the blind, the ears of the deaf, and may His wisdom overtake and reign in each one of your circumstances. Day 6 ~ Be On Guard "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life," Luke 21:34 I looked at several versions of this scripture, and this particular one that James Banks uses says "Be careful". The KJV says "Take heed" and the NASV says "Be on guard", which I like the more forceful implication of being on guard, because we really do need to take heed to these words that Jesus spoke and "Be on guard"...all of us do. The first thing we tend to think of is drunkenness, waywardness, definitely this is one that consumes many prodigals. It's now termed substance abuse and applies to overuse of drugs, alcohol, tobacco. But honestly, I think it can apply to over the counter drugs and prescription drugs, not to say that some of these are needed at times, but I think we have become a people way too entirely dependent on drugs. Dissipation means intemperate living. That totally describes the prodigal son in the Bible who wastes away his inheritance on useless vanity. It also means wasteful expenditure...Again we need to be on guard that we are not consumed by extravagant expenditures. These scriptures speak to everyone... And the third "anxieties of life"...I would love to know what you are thinking right now. Are we not supposed to "Cast our cares (anxieties) on Him, for he cares for us." 1 Peter 5:7 We are just as guilty as those that are drunken, if we are not on guard, not taking heed to cast our anxieties on Jesus. He does not want us to be anxious about anything...Philippians 4:6 So, today I'm praying that we will take a serious look at ourselves and if we are anxious, not just over-anxious, but anxious about anything that we will put our guard up, put the armor on, put on Christ and believe and have faith and cast all our cares on Him, just as we are commanded to do. And for our prodigals...

"Call them out, Lord! Out of darkness, out of dissipation, out of any substance or drug abuse and out of relationships that contribute to these things. Set them free, Father! I know that they have to want to be free. So I ask you to open their eyes to see the consequences of their actions, and let them long for something more. Let them "hunger and thirst for righteousness" and then they "will be filled" and blessed! Matthew 5:6" ~ James Banks Day 7 ~ Another Chance What prodigals do not only hurts the parents, but the siblings as well. One of my daughters wrote a song about her brother called Another Chance... It was early in the morning when I walked into the vineyard, The sun was just coming over the hill. Tears filled my eyes as I took in the sight of the drooping vines They wouldn't respond to my gentle hands and care. No fruit again...No reason to keep this branch. No fruit again...I've worked so hard, but it just won't begin...to grow. I pulled out my shears and picked the branch up from the ground When I felt someone standing by my side He took the vine in his nail scarred hands and held it up With tears he quietly looked into my eyes. Just one more chance... Please don't give up so soon Just one last chance... I want this vine to give me precious fruit... again. Several years later after many a pruning and cutting That branch flourished again in the sun It was covered with fruit of the sweetest sort and stood so strong A sign of submission in the Master's hands. Here's fruit for you...Only by your grace and mercy Take all I have... What you have given me, I give back... to you There's fruit again... Reason to keep this branch There's fruit again...I've worked so hard and it just began...to grow. "I love what you did for Peter, Lord. After he had denied you three times (Matthew 26: 34), you still forgave him and gave him another chance. Thank you for your mercy, Lord! Not only did you give Peter another chance, but you also gave one to me. And you continue to give me chances. You forgive me again and again... I pray for a second chance for our sons and daughters, just like you gave Peter. I ask You, "Lord of the harvest" to send workers into the "harvest field" (Matthew 9:38) that is our prodigal's lives. Let our sons and daughters encounter your people wherever they go and let your people share Your love with them in ways they cannot miss. Let their hearts be "burning within"(Luke 24:32) "~ James Banks "God sees not only our pain but He sees his plan and when He sees his plan He knows that His plan includes your pain that will bring you to your purpose " Day 8 ~ Prayer Makes a Difference "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16 It is because of what Christ has done in us that we can be called righteous. He is our righteousness. And because He is TRUTH and the Word is TRUTH, we can trust that what James says here is true. And if that is the case we have a very powerful advantage in fervent prayer, because it avails much. James Banks uses a different translation..."The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." He says, "Your word tells me that the prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective - and this means that even my prayers are, because of what you have done for me. Jesus has become for me my "righteousness, holiness and redemption". (1 Corinthians 1:30)" So, let's keep on praying and believing. We may not see with our physical eyes a difference, but I know that our prayers are effectual. Looking back on my situation...I didn't see any hope. In fact the only hope that I had was that as believers we are to hope, and I felt that not to hope would be unbelieving. Yet, God was working it all out behind the scenes. When he

opened the curtains to reveal His glory, I was astounded. It really was as if this nightmarish black curtain fell over us, and 6 years later the curtain lifted...the nightmare lifted and now it is a dreamy mist almost unreal...the secret place of the Most High. Yet, He is there all the time... Remember...Prayer makes a difference! Praying for you today... Day 9 ~ Wanting What God Wants "Some of my son's choices have affected his future, Father. The missed opportunities, denied admissions, and closed doors would not have been so if he had applied the gifts that you've given him. But that doesn't mean he's missed the greatest opportunity of his life. You are that opportunity, Lord! And You can make new opportunities for Him. More than wanting him to seek Your hand and what You can do for him, I want him to seek Your heart." Ask most parents what they want for their child and you'll find they want good things, a successful career, a happy home, good health, a life with fewer challenges than they had. But what does God want? ... Our prayer needs to be, "Father, help me to want what you want for my child. Help him to love you most of all!" When that prayer is answered then your son or daughter will be truly happy and have all that he or she needs. Not just for a few years on this earth but for every day to come, stretching on beyond forever, because "no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." I Corinthians 2:9 ~ James Banks Prayers for Prodigals I did a review of a book by a fellow traveler Dan Mayhew called The Butterfly and the Stone... Dan's son is addicted to alcohol...he was in the military and has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder... Here is a quote from his book..."I see less of the man I dreamed he would become and more of the one he seems determined to be. He seems to have set out with deliberateness to be everything I have always hated about disfigured manhood. Drinking. Smoking. Partying. Gambling. Foul-mouthed. Unkind. Selfish. Abusive. Mocking. Smelling of smoke and alcohol. At home in rancid taverns and among reprobates and miscreants. I detest it. All of it. That I should be the father of such a one is hardly bearable. I wish I could forget him. Reclaim my life and put this interminable season of reckless debauchery behind me. To forget the lies; the times when my affection only made me feel foolish when it was repaid only with more of the same; to sleep through the night without fear and dread; to turn away on last time and be free of love. When the Creator of this world looks upon it sinking into depravity - when He sees the hatred and the filth; malice and the cruelty; the selfishness and the violence, when He sees all that He hates, will He turn away? No. Because the love of the Father in heaven exceeds my feeble love. He has already turned His face away from all that, when He turned away from Christ on the cross. It had to be the cross. Anything less brutal could never stand amidst the refuse of human depravity and declare forgiven. Atonement for the sins of the world - all that the Creator detests in His children - had to be the cross. And that is what makes Him Father. Grace beyond limits. Forgiveness without end. Hope beyond endurance. Life to overcome death. This is grace. It is the love that never fails and will prevail in spite of all that is detestable among His children." Dan began a community of home-based churches called The Summit Fellowships where he serves as a church planter, teacher and encourager. Please add Dan and his son to your prayer list. His book is really incredible...to see the review go here... Day 10 ~ Open Our Eyes "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope in which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomprehensible great power for us who believe." Ephesians 1:18-19 The blog post Eye Salve is perfect for today... Praying today that our heavenly Father will restore right understanding to our prodigals. That Jesus will touch the eyes of their minds that they will see truth as never before, and in seeing truth will come to repentance and raise their eyes to the great Fountain of love and grace and mercy, the most high King of all heaven and earth. He will make the crooked places straight! He will make the blind to see!

Praying that you will be encouraged keeping your eyes focused on our all powerful Friend and Counselor and Savior...Praise His precious and Holy Name...King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Open our eyes, Lord...we want to see Jesus... Day 11 ~ Accepting Rejection "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not." Isaiah 53:3 This is a hard one, especially considering that the ones rejecting us are our dearly beloved children. Rejection hurts...A lot of us spend our lives trying to please people hoping not to be rejected, because it hurts. And some of us put up invisible walls around ourselves to protect ourselves from getting close to other people, because we have been hurt and we don't want to go there again. But our own children? Do we ever think that the ones we have nurtured and loved since they were infants, would turn against us, reject us and hurt us so very deeply...to the very core of our being? "You know what it is like to have those you love reject you, because you came to earth and we "did not receive" you. (John 1:11) You chose to accept our rejection for your own benefit, to save us and set us free. In a small way I am beginning to understand that, Lord. It's because I love her that I'm trying to help her to choose what is right, despite her defiance. Thank you, Father, for doing that for us. Your Word makes this so very clear. Even when we were "your enemies", you chose to reconcile us "through the death of Your Son" (Romans 5:10) "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1 John 4:10) ~ James Banks Father, today I pray that we can be more conformed into the image of Jesus by accepting rejection as He did, as He does, as You do...Help us to feel the bitter sweetness of life and not run from it, but love through it...not with our paltry love, but with Your everlasting and perfect love. Sometimes that means standing aside...like the story of the prodigal in your Word...the Father let's go until the son returns in a humble state and asks forgiveness. The father's love is always there, just as Your love is always there for us... Thank you, Jesus, that You will never leave us or forsake us. Thank you, Father, that we can draw nigh to you and you will draw nigh to us... Rescue our prodigals from the world, Father. Please draw them to Yourself...I know that you are...I know that You are at work in their lives to bring about their salvation. Thank you, dear Savior and Friend, Counselor, Almighty God...the Master of the Universe...the great I AM... Thank you... I know all things are possible to those that believe. Mark 9:23 Day 12 ~ Let Every Road Lead to You, Lord "Surely the arm of the Lord is not to short to save, nor his ear to dull to hear." Isaiah 59:1 "Father, I thank you there is no where my son can go where you are not already present. Even though, he is far from me, I rest in your promise that your arm "is not too short to save." I pray that you will meet him where he is, Lord. Let him encounter you everywhere he turns "behind and before" (Psalms 139:5) Open his eyes to "paths of life that lead in your direction and draw him close to you (Acts 2:28). Not home to me, but to his eternal home with you. Just like the prodigal son who "came to his senses" in a far country, I ask that he will become aware of anything that separates him from you. Let every road he takes lead to You, Lord." ~ James Banks Praying this very thing for your loved ones today... Day 13 ~ Praise When It's Dark "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them." Acts 16:15 After Paul cast a demon out of a possessed woman, the men who could no longer make money off of her were infuriated. They dragged Paul and Silas before the magistrates, who tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten. After being whipped they were thrown into the dungeon and their feet bolted down in stocks.

Have you ever really thought about how Paul and Silas felt through all of this? Humiliated and dragged through angry crowds...mercilessly flogged and cast into some dirty prison... How would you react? Would you feel hopeless and forsaken? Would you blame God? Would you cry out and say, God, I was just doing what you told me to do, I cast out the demon from this woman, how could you allow this nightmare to happen? I know my reaction wouldn't have been like Paul and Silas... They praised God and began to sing loud and the other prisoners heard them. But our reactions need to be like Paul and Silas. Quoting James Banks from Prayers for Prodigals, "What Paul and Silas did was beautiful and inspiring, Father. Even though they had been "stripped" and severely flogged" and were in a dark jail cell after midnight with their feet in stocks, they were praising you (Acts 16: 22-24) What an amazing example! Please give me grace to do the same when I feel defeated and in the dark. I want to give you the glory due your name (1 Chronicles 16:29) and continue praising you even when I don't know what the next day brings. You are always worthy of praise." Praying today that no matter what your circumstance, no matter where you are on this prodigal journey, you will lift your heart and hands in praise to your Father in heaven. Let's praise Him together...Hallelujah!

Day 14 ~ If I Should Die Before She Wakes "Father I want so much to see my daughter come to you. But what if it takes longer than my lifetime? I will still live by faith and welcome the answers to my prayers "from a distance"." ~ James Banks This rings so true to me. I honestly got to the point that I believed my son WOULD turn back to God, but I didn't think it would happen before I died. And I think that is something that we as parents need to accept. What is most important is their relationship with Jesus. How and when that is worked out is up to the Father. If we get to see it, that is an incredible blessing, and one that I pray you will all experience. But we have to put our children totally in God's care and that includes the timing. "All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised, they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance." Hebrews 11:13 If you haven't totally surrendered your prodigal into God's hands...I pray this prayer for you today. Here are a couple of posts I wrote about surrender that I think will be helpful and encouraging... I Know Your Pain, Peace That Passeth All Understanding May God bless you with the peace that passes all understanding...as you surrender your life and your prodigal's life totally into the hands of the Great Shepherd. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:6-7 Day 15 ~ Father Forgive "And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." Luke 23:33-34 The Holy Spirit many times has brought to remembrance the words of our Savior..."Forgive them for they know not what they do"... They really don't know what they are doing...our prodigals really have lost their senses...they have lost their way...they don't have ears to hear and eyes to see... and until they regain their "eyes to see", they don't realize the pain that they are causing. They justify their behaviors. Quoting James Banks, "You died to set us free from the law of sin and death" Romans 8:2 and rose to give us life. And while you were dying, You interceded with the Father for your murderers. They really didn't know what they were doing, did they? If they had understood, "they would not have crucified the Lord of glory" (1 Corinthians 2:8)" Praying today that the words of Jesus, "Forgive them for they know not what they do"...will transform your heart and mind and free you from pain, knowing that through your suffering you are partaking of the suffering of Christ and being conformed more to His likeness. Praying for the forgiveness of our prodigals... Praying, also, that they will come to that place where they ask forgiveness for themselves. Help us, Father, to have the patience to wait for Your deliverance, for Your timing.

Day 16 ~ Coming to Our Senses "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!" Luke 15:17 James Banks tells the story of his maternal grandmother, whose 3 year old child had an aggressive form leukemia. To try and save his life the baby's father gave him blood. One night as she was praying in the hospital she heard a distant singing, an angelic sound. "It soothed her soul and wiped the worry from her brow", she felt as if she were standing "in the very presence of God". The next day she told her husband that she knew that whatever happened would be all right, because she heard angels singing. The child died that day and her husband in a weakened state from giving blood, contracted pneumonia and died a few months later. His grandmother never remarried. She had another child, for she was pregnant when her husband died. God always took care of her, but the most amazing thing is that she never became bitter. She kept her faith in God. Quoting James Banks, "Through faithful prayer and the touch of His Spirit, God gives the gift of "the peace of God which transcends all understanding," that guards our hearts and our "minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). "That's why prayer is "the Christian's vital breath". God uses it to give us grace that we would never encounter otherwise. For parents of prodigals prayer is a lifeline... That lifeline moves through us to our children. God uses our prayers to teach our children wherever they may be, and to accomplish good in their lives that would not have occurred if we were not praying... The prodigal son "came to his senses" in a far country (Luke 15:17) The parents of prodigals may "come to their senses" as well, especially where prayer is concerned. God frequently moves through our challenging circumstances to cause us to pray more than we ever have before. He uses our prayers to pull us close and show us what He alone can do. He sharpens our "spiritual senses". giving us the peace that we so desperately need and a fresh strength that we never knew possible." ~ End of quote. Thank you for these words of wisdom today. I needed to hear this, how about you? I pray that you will draw close to God in prayer and that your prayers for your prodigals will be the lifeline that brings them home. Thank you, dear Father, for working on our behalf, even though we can not see it, we know in faith that You are doing a marvelous work in the lives of our prodigals to bring them to a true salvation and knowledge of Jesus. Open their eyes, cause them to come to their senses, and turn to you with their whole hearts. Day 17 ~ Take Heart "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 I read these words several times this morning...Do we really believe this? These are words coming straight from our Savior's mouth recorded by His beloved disciple John... These words are TRUTH. If He was to sit before you today and say to you..."In Me you shall have peace". You might reply, but Lord, this is more pain than I can bear...He would say, "Cast your burdens on Me, for I care for you. Be anxious for nothing." "In the world ye shall have tribulation", Yes, Lord, this tribulation, this prodigal journey...it is so very painful...it is the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with... "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world". Be of good cheer...or as James says, "Count it all joy..." James 1:2 This just seems impossible...but Take Heart, Be of good cheer..."nothing is impossible with God" Luke 1:37 "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." 1 Timothy 4:7-8 OK, everyone, get ready for a spiritual boot camp! I started afresh just the other day committing myself to physical exercise after healing from a broken toe. Walk/run 1 1/2 mile morning and evening and alternating cardio and core workouts everyday! Guess what? Today I am sore...but it is the good sore and I do have more energy and I feel better mentally and physically... But what does the Bible say...physical exercise profits little. But that's not the point Paul was making. Exercise is good for you , but spiritual exercise is FANTASTIC for you. Could it be that we need to exercise our faith, that this suffering can be overcome, if we focus entirely on Jesus? Why would He say, "Be of good cheer"?, if it were not possible? Can we believe Him for this? Can we exercise our belief? James says, "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1:4 I'm suggesting here that we need to take this walk...this spiritual exercise...seriously. We need to take Jesus at His word, for it is TRUTH. We need to exercise focusing on Him every hour, every minute...if need be...

Day 18 ~ Perfect Love Casts Out Fear "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18 Are you fearful? Do you worry about your prodigal? Are you afraid that your other children may follow in the same footsteps of your prodigal? Do you fear for your child's life, for their salvation? I understand...I've been there. This is a tough one, but fear is torment and the TRUTH of the matter is that we are told over and over not to fear. Father, help us in this area of fear and worry...help us to trust You more, as our Father, our Friend, our Counselor...a Father who will teach, provide and protect...a Friend who is a loyal companion, trust-worthy, caring...a Counselor who hears our petitions and gives us wisdom and knowledge. But even more...our Husband who loves His bride and enfolds her in His strong arms to care for, honor and protect her. You are all these things and more, Lord...You are our Deliverer, our Fortress, our strong Tower... When, Oh, when will we put away vain imaginations, and worries of the world and fears of what may happen and just look up into your all glorious...all marvelous...all powerful...all knowing Presence...and BELIEVE You at Your word? Fill us, Father, with Your love today...Your Love that is so powerful, so all consuming, so sacrificial, so perfect that any and all fear and worry will be cast out. And Father...as James Banks prays... "I ask that Your perfect love will drive out any fear in my daughter's/son's heart about coming to You. Help her/him understand that knowing You is all about love, which is so different from any-less-than-loving examples of legalism or judgmentalism she/he may have seen along the way. I pray that Your love may be "made complete" in her/him so that she "will have confidence on the day of judgement" (1 John 4:17) Let her/him live in love, because "whoever lives in love lives in" You (1 John 4:16), and You in them. May the wonder of all that you are bless my child and draw her/his heart to you today!" Day 19 ~ New Mercy! "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3: 22-23 "Something good is coming and I thank you for it, even though I don't know what it is yet! But I know You, and Your kindness is "new every morning". "Whom have I in heaven but You?" Psalms 73:25 "I will not give in to fear, and doubt and worry because You are with me." Psalms 118:6 Because of your kindness I will renew my hope in You today." ~ James Banks Would you join me here today in praise to our Heavenly Father and thank Him for His mercies. I know that every day, even in the midst of our deepest trials, we can lift our hands in praise. Praying that God will bless your day with a newness of hope and a refreshing of living waters to nourish and satisfy your every need. Day 20 ~ Going the Extra Mile "And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain." Matthew 5:41 It isn't all a bed of roses when a prodigal returns. In the parable the father is delighted and rejoicing, but the brother obviously has some problems with the attention that is bestowed on the wayward son. There, of course, are many lessons in this parable for us to learn... The prodigal, even though repentant, will bring back the consequences of his behavior. The wasted years will show themselves evident in his life, as if he has to start again at square one. If he has a gift, it may be that gift was taken away from him and he has to settle with less. He may bring back a wife who was with him in his rebellion and consequently does not have the same values as you. Regardless what it is we are compelled to go the extra mile. We can open our arms with forgiveness and rejoice in the return, yet there will be rough spots in the road, and our love must be as Christ's love for us...full of forgiveness and compassion. All of it...this whole prodigal journey...is so like what our Father deals with in each one of us...what Jesus died for in each one of us. Can we not go the extra mile, as He does with us? James Banks ~ "This isn't an easy road, but I accept it gratefully knowing that I'm following You. I know by faith that this road comes out in a better place for him and for me if I keep my eyes on You.

I pray that I will continue in "faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel". (Colossians 1:23) Because love always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:7) You are not only watching You are with me. When I "pass through the waters" of difficult days, You have promised, "I will be with you." When I pass "through the rivers" - those days when we're in over our heads - you have said, "they will not sweep over" us. Even when I "walk through the fire" of trial or temptation or anger, "I will not be burned if I stay close to You (Isaiah 43:2)" ~ end of quote Help us stay close to You, to keep our eyes on You, to be like You... to seek You early, to draw near to You, to acknowledge You in all our ways, so that our paths will be directed by You. Help us, Father, to go the extra mile, not just what is expected of us, but what may be out of our comfort zone. Praying today that each one of You will know that you are not alone on this journey. This particular trial is set before you for a reason. It is the cup that the Father has given you to partake of, but Jesus will never leave you, or forsake you. Keep your eyes on Him and you will not sink no matter how violent the storm. He is with you forever and for always. Day 21 ~ Thank You "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him." Psalms 127:3 From the book Prayers for Prodigals ~ "I don't think I've said thank you enough lately, Lord. Your Word reminds me that children are a blessing from You. I'd like to thank you again for the blessing of my son. He is your own beautiful and unique creation. There will never be anyone exactly like him. I praise you for he is "fearfully and wonderfully made: your works are wonderful I know that full well" (Psalms 139:14) I thank you for my son's good characteristics. I even thank you for the strength of his will and look forward to the day that it will be used to serve you with devotion and resolve. I thank you for the things I sometimes take for granted: the blessings of health and food, and a roof over our heads. Even though times are challenging right now, I don't want to stop saying thank you. Your Word tells me to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18)" ~ end of quote ....................................... I think this is such an incredible reminder, and I thank James Banks for writing this book...Giving thanks in all circumstances is so important in our walk with Christ and as Paul said in Thessalonians, it is God's will for us. Spending time thanking God for our circumstances, because "He works all things our for good" is part of trusting Him. And I am convinced that He is teaching us to TRUST Him in a way that I never imagined. Perhaps we have gotten too self reliant living in a country that has so much. Whatever it is, there is a lesson for us...more than a lesson...a deep yearning for TRUTH and LIFE and FOCUS on Christ alone. And a major part of this is to totally rely on Him. Give thanks in all things for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Dietrich Bonhoeffer says in his book The Cost of Discipleship, "...intersession is the most promising way to reach our neighbors, and corporate prayer, offered in the name of Christ, the purest form of fellowship." In praying together we are in fellowship, and in agreement with each other, and in communion with Christ. And He loves us and hears our prayers... Thank you all for all your prayers. Day 22 ~ Waiting for an Answer I'm going to share a story that James Banks writes about in his book about another prodigal. The lesson here again has to do with waiting on the Lord. "When our daughter was 15 she ran away. Katie had fallen in with the wrong crowd at school. When we grounded her and pulled her out of school to finish the final weeks of her sophomore year at home, she made other plans. One day she ran out the door and down the street, where a friend picked her up in a car. She was gone more than three weeks. Those were the longest three weeks of our lives. Carl and I looked everywhere for out daughter and sought help from law enforcement and friends. But no matter how hard we tried, it seemed like we were always a few steps behind her. Her life was in danger and she didn't even know it. One day, Carl and I found ourselves sitting in the apartment of an armed drug dealer who knew some of Katie's friends and had seen her recently. Later, we discovered she was even a passenger in a wreck where the car rolled and others were injured. She left the scene when the police arrived.

In the desperate days that followed, Carl and I learned the importance of waiting on God in prayer for those we love. We had no other choice. We had come to the end of our strength and resources and had to rely on God. The more we prayed, the more effective our search became. It was on Father's Day that we found her. Carl and I were in a restaurant parking lot, on our way to dinner, when the phone rang. A waitress at another restaurant had spotted her. Katie was only three blocks away. We soon had her home, safe and sound. God always answers prayer. The answer is either yes, no, or wait. When the answer is wait, it's easy to confuse it with no answer at all... Sometimes the answers don't come when we would hope. Things may even seem to go from bad to worse. But we have to persevere, keep believing and keep asking... Waiting is never easy, but the end result is worth it. David put it this way: "Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord have never forsaken those who seek you" (Psalms 9:10) Keep seeking! Keep trusting! Keep asking! Keep praying! There is grace to be found in the waiting, even if it takes years for the answer to come." Praying for all of us today that we will become more proficient in this 'lost art of praying and waiting' on the Lord through our trial. Perhaps, Father, this is part of the reason we are travailing in this trial...perhaps it is Your way of getting our attention and causing us to fall on our knees and seek You with our whole heart. I know each one of us as parents, Father, needs to grow in some area in our walk with You. Please, Father, teach us Your ways. And in the meantime bring our prodigals to their senses and back home to know You, to desire You with their whole hearts and walk in Your ways. Day 23 ~ Called Out of Darkness "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:" 1 Peter 2:9 Called out of darkness...how many of you were called out of darkness? From the concordance darkness means: of night darkness; of darkened eyesight or blindness; of ignorance respecting divine things and human duties, and the accompanying ungodliness and immorality, together with their consequent misery in hell; persons in whom darkness becomes visible and holds sway. I once was lost...and now I'm found... I once was blind, but now I see... "He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm." Psalms 40:2 If I had Christian parents they would have been devastated, but they also would have rejoiced at what Jesus has done in my life. I don't know that a single prayer was uttered for me during this time of darkness, but Jesus called me out of it. "Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD Almighty." Malachi 3:7 Father, you are very aware of what our prodigals are doing right now. For from the beginning of time men turn away from you and follow darkness. Father, right now, our children are living in darkness, making horrendously horrible choices that will effect their lives forever. We cry out to you, Father, for we of ourselves can do nothing. Please bring them out of the miry pit, the ungodliness, the immorality, this horrible wretched darkness that holds sway over them and causes such blindness. Father, we cry out to you today, please call them out of darkness into your marvelous light. Quoting James Banks, "I ask for your light to fall on this path and lead him home. Let him see your light from the distance and be drawn to you. Even though now he sits in darkness, I ask that you will be his light.(Micah 7:8) I praise you that there is no darkness so black that you can not show him the way out of it. Bring him to the place where he can say, "You are my lamp, O Lord the LORD turns my darkness to light" (2 Samuel 22:29)" ~ James Banks And Father...I pray for none of this middle of the road stuff. I pray when our prodigals come to their senses and see your Light...when they truly give their hearts and lives to Jesus, that there will be no turning back. That they will put the past behind them and walk forward...the past immorality, drugs, rock music...make it absolutely abhorrent to them. Thank you, Jesus, for what you have done in my life, I know without a doubt that you can do it in any life. And I especially ask today, that you would visit the suffering parents. Please take them in your arms. Fill them with your peace, hold them tight so that they know you are with them in their grief. Give them a knowing that you are at work in the hearts of those they love and hold most dear, right now as we are praying. Forgive us all, Father, for we are so prone to wander, so prone to be unbelieving and faithless. We are called to show forth your praises, even the sacrifice of praise...

"Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name." Hebrews 13:15 Day 24 ~ Shame Off Her This is an interesting title for today. Being a little slow when it comes to understanding things, like jokes and puns, etc. I had to think twice (three times actually), before I realized that James was turning the term, "Shame on her", around almost as a command to take the "Shame off her". Truthfully, I have never really prayed that before. I have prayed for a hedge of protection for our prodigals, that God would keep them from evil, etc., but today I will pray in a different way. As the scripture says, "Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame." Romans 10:11 Quoting James Banks, "I pray you will move soon in her life to turn her heart from the sin back to you. Let her hear your Spirit speaking to her, "I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you." (Isaiah 44:22) Let the fog clear and a bright new morning break! Even when we rebel against you, you long for us to give our hearts to you. When we do, you take our sins completely away. You clothe us with "garments of salvation" and "a robe of righteousness." (Isaiah 61:10) You present us holy in your sight, "without blemish and free from accusation" (Colossians 1:22). You have said, "You will forget the shame of your youth" (Isaiah 54:4). You tell us you will remember our sins no more (Jeremiah 31:34). Take the shame of my daughter, Lord Jesus! Just as you have for me." I know she has a choice to make and I pray she will make it soon and "choose life" (Deuteronomy 30:19) I pray she will choose you!" ~ James Banks We as parents may also be feeling shame, but why then would the promise be that we would not be ashamed. I think we need to rethink this and realize that our children are God's and we are given a time with them to nurture and bring them up, but then God has to deal with their hearts in His way. Anything that is not right in their hearts, He will make right in His time and in His way. That is why it is so important to "Let go and let God do the work". We need to trust Him, and not be ashamed, but magnify the fact that we have a Great Shepherd who cares about each lost sheep and seeks to find them and bring them home. Praise Him for He is Mighty to save! Anyone have any thoughts on this? Day 25 ~ Put on the Armor "Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil." Ephesians 6:11 The armor talked about in Ephesians is something we should dress ourselves with every morning. Donning ourselves from head to toe with the protection our Father gives us will help us fight the battle that lies before us. It will also help our children. Perhaps this is an area of protection and defense from the enemy that we do not take seriously enough, especially in these perilous times we are living in. Note in the scripture that the armor helps us to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Standing firm against lies and deception is so imperative. We are weakened by the attacks of the enemy whether it comes in the form of grief over our loved ones, or persecution from friends. Each blow that comes against us can either bring us to the ground in agony, or we can stand firm with the armor: the helmet of salvation, the breast-plate of righteousness, the sword of the spirit, the shield of faith, loins girt about with truth, and feet shod with the gospel of peace. STAND FIRM Your standing for Christ will speak volumes to your prodigals. I know what it feels like to be so weakened that doubt seeps in... Some of you are fearing for your other children that they will follow their prodigal brother or sister. I did too. In fact as a defensive mechanism for myself I backed off from my other children for a time. But they didn't stray, and we are not to fear. Jesus commands us not to fear, but to put the burden on Him and trust Him. Why are we so prone to try to do things our own way? Even though we profess Christ, we do not walk in faith and trust as we should. When my son was living in fornication, we told him we could have nothing to do with him, not even eat with him if he lived that way. (1 Corinthians 5:11) He justified his behavior and no matter how I argued with him, he would not listen. The sad part is that other Christians had no problem with it, they encouraged it. We are living in such a fallen world today. We are living in perilous times. 2 Timothy 3:1 I don't know why some children do this...I always likened it to telling a child "No!" when they tried to touch a hot stove. Some listen and immediately pull their fingers away and never do it again. Some get burned and feel the pain and still do it again. I pray for all of you parents today that you will take heed to the word and put on the armor and stand firm with your

children. Jesus is the only way...His instruction is the best way...Teach your children as well , to put on the armor, and be an example of faith to them. Don't be afraid to call sin, sin. Even if the whole world is against you. God is for you. Stand on His side. The battle is His and He will be victorious. Day 26 ~ Joy in the Presence of the Angels "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents." Luke 15:10 What a beautiful thought this morning! I visualize the heavenlies full of rejoicing magnificence. And it happens every day...every day somewhere there are those that fall on their knees in repentance. What joy it must bring!"I ask that he will make the angels sing, Father. I pray he will turn from his past and run with an open heart and mind to you! I can imagine the joy. My joy here on earth would only be part of a much larger celebration, because "There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10) Your word tells of "thousands upon thousands of angels" joyfully praising you (Hebrews 12:22), and so they should! "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being" (Revelations 4:11) You created my son and gave him life. You long for him with an everlasting love. You loved him so much that you gave your "one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) No wonder the angels sing when one sinner repents!" ~ James Banks Praying today that our sons and daughters will know the joy of repentance. Praying that our prodigals will give their hearts to the Lord soon. Rejoicing today for every prodigal that repents this very day and the joy that they bring to all around them. Praying too, Father, that Your joy, Your peace that passes all understanding will keep the minds and hearts of all the parents as they wait to see their prodigals return. Day 27 ~ Despise Not These Little Ones "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 18:10 From Prayers for Prodigals by James Banks... "Your word says that you send your angels to do your "bidding", Father (Psalms 103:20). Thank you for giving our children angels who "always behold" your face. Thank you for all of the times you've looked after my child when I could not: the near misses,the fraction-of-a-second, happened-too-fast-for-me-to-react moments when your angel intervened. My child needs the protection of your angels now, Lord. You've said that the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them (Psalms 34:7). Because I "know what it is to fear" you (2 Corinthians 5:11) with reverence, awe, and love, I ask that you deliver my son. Your word tells me about what you've done for those you call your own: "In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them" (Isaiah 63:9). Redeem my son, Lord! Let him be a joy to you and to all of heaven, because "there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10). I don't know how you will do it, but I ask you to help his open his heart to you." ~ James Banks Father, I pray for each and every prodigal represented here today by Godly parents who fear you and ask that You would deliver these children from the enemy of their souls. And we will watch and pray and wait, and say with the angels, "Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!" Revelation 7:11-12 The Guardian Angel Pietro Da Cortona (Barrettini). Day 28 ~ Quiet with His Love "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17 He will quiet you with His love... I don't think I have ever read this before...He will quiet you with His love... I think it's because my version says it differently... "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest (be quiet) in his

love, he will joy over thee with singing." KJV What a beautiful thought...He will quiet you with His love... Remember the story about Elijah...how he ran in fear of his life from Jezebel and then he eventually hides in a cave and there is a great wind, but God is not in the wind...and earthquake, but God is not in the earthquake...a fire, but God is not in the fire... and then a still small voice ... Then Elijah heard...in the stillness...in the quiet... From Prayers for Prodigals ~ "The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing." What beautiful thoughts, Lord. You are all of those things! You are "with me." You are "mighty to save." The thought of you taking delight in me and comforting me with our love gives my soul hope that this world cannot take away. When I imagine you rejoicing over me with singing, I'm reminded that you are my Father, and I am your child (1 John 5:19) "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are!" (1 John 3:1)... In the "quietness and confidence" that comes from you alone (Isaiah 32:17), I will wait and watch and pray." ~ James Banks Praying that you will hear the Father's voice in quiet and stillness...that He will quiet you with His love...that he will give you grace and peace to wait on Him. And praying that our prodigals, no matter where their journey takes them...whether it be through blinding storms or shaking earthquakes, or raging fires... will come to know the stillness of God and His all-encompassing love for them. Day 29 ~ Sin of the Parents "As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" John 9:1-2 A very interesting and encouraging message today from James Banks... "God promises in His Word that "the son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son" (Ezekiel 18:20). But as the disciples' question demonstrated, many in Jesus' day believed that sickness was the direct result of sin either in the life of the one who was ill or his parents. Jesus' response to the disciples speaks volumes: "Neither the man nor his parents sinned...but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life" (John 9:3) While the disciples were busy looking for sin and someone to blame, Jesus saw an opportunity to show the greatness and the love of God. Sometimes the parents of prodigals may find themselves thinking like the disciples. We look for someone to blame, and don't look very far. More than one parent of a prodigal son or daughter has found themselves asking, "Is God punishing me through my child for something I did in the past?" Fortunately, Jesus' response to the disciples and God's promise through Ezekiel indicate that the answer to that question is an emphatic, "No." God's promise through Ezekiel makes it clear that each of us must take responsibility for our own actions. We cannot blame parents or genetics for our sins. We also cannot blame ourselves for the sinful choices of a son or daughter. Still, that's not always easy. There have been times when I've heard my parents' words coming out of my mouth when I talk to my children (the words, "Because I said so!" come to mind.) I've also heard the words I spoke to my parents coming out of my children's mouths. When those words are hurtful, I've caught my self thinking, "This sounds too familiar. Is my past coming back to haunt me? Is God judging me for my own rebellion by giving me a rebellious child? Is this my payback?" Thankfully, God doesn't see it that way. His promise is worth repeating and taking to heart: "The son will not share the guilt of the father." I take great comfort in that, because I don't want my children to bear the burden of things I did long ago. It's also good to know that God isn't holding them against me. The spiritual blindness in our children's lives is not caused by sins of the parents, but by sin that is part of the fallen nature we all share, because "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3;23). That sin has consequences, and we must repent of it and leave it at the foot of the cross. But before that can happen for our prodigal children, Jesus must open their eyes. It's interesting that Jesus came of his own initiative to the man who was blind from birth. The man didn't ask for Jesus' help. Jesus sought him out. He stopped and looked the man in his sightless eyes. Jesus is also able to encounter our children when they are not looking for Him. God has ways of reaching our children that we've never thought of. Jesus loves out prodigal kids and wants to display the work of God in their lives, no matter what they've done. "God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Jesus died for us" (Romans 5:8). Jesus wants to touch our children and set them free, so they will become witnesses to the Father's kindness and power and

one day love others into the kingdom." I hope this blesses you today as it did me... Day 30 ~ Strength to Go On Sharing again from James Banks Prayers for Prodigals... "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3: 17-18 "I will remind myself of this, Lord. It's always good to praise you, regardless of how I feel at the moment. "For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise" (I Chronicles 16:25) "I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in God" (Habakkuk 3:18), regardless of my external circumstances on any given day. And why not? Yes, times are difficult with my child. She's running from me and from you. My heart aches. I long to take her in my arms and protect her from harm, if only she would have it. Then I am reminded of your Word and your promise: "Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion" (Isaiah 30:18). There's a lot of meaning in that one word, yet. You know how I feel, don't you? Not only about my daughter. About the whole human race. That's why you came, why you sent your one and only son: "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6). Not only do you understand, you've faced our rebellion with a heart that feels with more "depth" than I could ever know. (Romans 11:33) I praise you for that and will wait for you, because "since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him" (Isaiah 64:4). ~ James Banks Day 31 ~ How Long? This is the last day of the 31 Days of blogging with all the incredible bloggers out there. I'm going to leave you readers some links to older posts that have been really helpful to me and hopefully will encourage you. A special thanks to James Banks who wrote the wonderful book of prayers, "Prayers for Prodigals" that I have been reading through day by day, and that has inspired so much of this writing... "How long, O Lord, how long?" Psalms 6:3 Some of you are just starting out on this journey. I think that is the hardest of all. When it all comes crashing down on you and the pain is excruciating and the nightmare you never dreamed would happen to you is now your life... It's as if someone has died and you will experience the same stages of grief. I found this very helpful during that time... God Loves the Broken Hearted by Cathey Stott As time goes by in our loneliness we hear of others who have perhaps suffered a greater loss than our own and we realize that in order to heal we need to reach out and help others... Encouragement Through Suffering After a while we think, "I don't want this to last for years and years...how can I bear this...how long, Father, how long?" We may even be tempted to take the battle into our own hands... The Temptation to Take the Battle into Our Own Hands How long, O Lord, how long? Is a phrase we will utter many times no matter how long it takes, but in the meantime God is not only working in our prodigal but also in us... "Only God knows the end of the story for our prodigal. Every once in awhile we get a glimmer of hope that our son will fully return to God. Many times I ve wished I could just read the final chapter; then perhaps I d sleep better at night. But we are learning to walk by faith, one day at a time. God is sovereign, and we have learned much about His grace, His patience, and His love that we probably would not have learned otherwise." I Am a Parent of a Prodigal Praying today that we might comfort one another no matter where we are in this journey. We as parents are learning to TRUST and have FAITH in a way that transcends human understanding. Reach out and encourage someone today with the comfort you have received from the Lord. It is His way of bringing us closer to Him and giving us healing and peace. From This Time Forth Go Comfort Others Praying for our prodigals that no matter where they are in their journey that they will see Jesus. Father, take the blinders off their eyes that they might see You today. And we thank you and praise you for the work You alone can do in their lives.

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31 Days ~ How Long? 31 Days ~ Strength to Go On 31 Days ~ Sin of the Parents 31 Days ~ Quiet with His Love 31 Days ~ Despise Not These Little Ones 31 Days ~ Joy in the Presence of the Angels 31 Days ~ Put on the Armor 31 Days ~ About Shame 31 Days ~ Called Out of Darkness 31 Days ~ Waiting for an Answer 31 Days ~ Thank You 31 Days ~ Going the Extra Mile 31 Days ~ New Mercy! 31 Days ~ Perfect Love Casts Out Fear 31 Days ~ Take Heart 31 Days ~ Coming to Our Senses 31 Days ~ Father, Forgive 31 Days ~ If I Should Die Before She Wakes 31 Days ~ Praise When It's Dark 31 Days ~ Let Every Road Lead to You, Lord 31 Days ~ Accepting Rejection 31 Days ~ Open Our Eyes 31 Days ~ Wanting What God Wants 31 Days ~ Prayer Makes a Difference 31 Days ~ Another Chance 31 Days ~ Be On Guard 31 Days ~ Abounding Grace 31 Days ~ Snatched From the Fire 31 days ~ The Narrow Gate 31 Days ~ He Has Been There 31 Days of Prayers for Prodigals For Chains to ...

I believe Him and I know when I surrender, and truly TRUST Him with my life that He gives me peace like a river. Like rivers of living water that heal, that nourish, that wash the cares away... Praying for you today...for a time of refreshing, a time of healing...a new determination to focus on Jesus...to let Him take care of a seemingly impossible situation...to trust Him totally.

Could it be that not only is He dealing with our prodigals hearts in bringing them to salvation, but He is also dealing with our hearts to bring us into His Peace and Rest?