A Mother Prays for Her Prodigal

Helen saw the love, respect, and closeness of their family torn as one of her children went the way of the world. She and her husband prayed and cried together and painfully asked each other, "Have I done something wrong?"

Helen began giving special time to night praying, each night assigning herself a promise to study and pray through. One promise was Isaiah 45:11: "Thus says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: 'Ask Me about the things to come concerning My sons, and you shall commit to Me the work of My hands" (NASB). Her child was to be given over to God. He was the work of His hands (Psalm 139:13-16).

She learned from Daniel 9:21 that Daniel prayed in extreme weariness and that God strengthened him when he prayed (Daniel 10:19), so it was not always time to quit praying when she was tired.

Four years passed and during that time the pain caused by their child's rebellion never diminished. But God's promises  gave them spiritual strength and assured them that His answer would come: "Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay" (Habakkuk 2:3). She learned to say, "My times are in your hands" (Psalm 31:15).

Their family is whole again. Now that the once wayward child prays with them and relishes opportunities to be with them, the psalmist's phrase resounds in their hearts: "...weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).

Thank You, Lord, for Your precious promises that encourage us to pray for our children.
"I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants" (Psalm 44:3).

Aletha Hinthorn