I have the privilege of being in a prayer community of people who love prodigals. They have or have had loved ones who wandered far from God–and them, usually–and they pray for each other. Periodically I get to write a letter to encourage all of us. Perhaps you or someone you know needs such encouragement. So here is last year’s Christmas Letter to Lovers of Prodigals.
Dear Lover of Prodigals,
All I want for Christmas…
…is the return of my prodigal.
Lord, please, for Christmas could my child come home. Would you set him free from his addictions. Cause her to choose not to live with her boyfriend. May they see the emptiness and destructiveness of their choices. And, Lord, may we have peace in our family for Christmas.
I have asked for just such gifts—for many Chritmases. Probably you have as well.
A couple of helpful thoughts:
1. God knows the yearnings of your heart. He knows exactly what you want for Christmas. And He is so willing for you to ask, to be honest, to cry out. So don’t be afraid to tell Him how your heart aches, about your fears for your loved ones, about your concerns for your other children, about how overwhelmed you feel at this time meant for celebration.
2. At the same time, remember that His answers almost always look so different, and have such later timing, than our requests. We can’t understand what He is doing—He tells us His ways are above ours. Yet Scripture tells us repeatedly that He knows and understands and is filled with compassion for our pain.
He has given us many wonderful promises that enable us to express our love for and trust in Him—and see His faithful responses. Just read and meditate on these words from God:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.“ (Matt. 6:33)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will gi ve him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:9-11)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt 11:28-29)
So for this Christmas, I join you in asking God for miracles in the lives of our prodigals. But I also ask that He will help you to seek Him first and enable you to experience His peace and freedom from fear and deep rest in Him.
May His blessings overflow you this Christmas season.
Judy
c 2011 Judy Douglass
c 2010 Judy Douglass
If you would like to be part of such a prayer community, write me at prayerforprodigals@gmail.com and I will invite you to join us.
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I must tell you that for many years my mother had much the same prayer as yours. July 22, 2002, my mothers prayer was answered. A few days earlier, I came close to loosing my 2 and a half year old daughter because her mother and I were to involved in our high to notice that she had wandered outside to the pool area. She fell in. Fortunately, we heard it and were able to react, all with a happy ending. Four days later, my daughter and I left Arizona. I knew that the only way I could break my addiction, was to completely change my environment and friends. I came home. I have been drug free ever since. There was no program stronger than the love I had for my daughter. We connected with a terrific congregation that led me back to Jesus. I have married a wonderful woman that has become my daughters mom. We have started a ministry through horses, for people with special needs and troubled youth.
Yes, God answered my mothers prayer. He also answered mine by releasing me from a horrible addiction. God never forgets who we are, and who we are meant to be. Have faith in the foundation you provided for your daughter. It’s still there. She just needs to find it again.
Thank you so much for your beautiful story. It will encourage many.
FYI, my prodigal is doing great now–but it was a long journey. I am writing in these letters for all of us in the prayer community–most still in the pain, others who have made it through.
Thanks Judy so much. Always a blessing and I just love this ‘prayers for prodigals’. I can’t imagine this cutting deeper than parent to child though my heart breaks and intercedes for some very close that live the prodigal.
Again, I so appreciate your heart and fighter spirit that encourages those who can’t find that bit of hope today…what a blessing.
And rejoice with you over the return of your prodigal:)
Blessings and Merriest of Christmases:):) Abby:)
There are a growing number of prodigals on my prayer list. I try to encourage the mothers with articles and info that has encouraged me. I found out recently that one of the prodigals on the list walked into a pastor’s office saying that she needed help. When she explained her situation and concern, the pastor asked, “So how is your life working out for you?” Then he proceeded to lead her to Christ and now whe has gotten baptized and is becoming a vibrant testimony of what Christ can do. This greatly encouraged me with my concerns for my own prodigals.