Search & Rescue Prayer

There’s strength in numbers, especially when it comes to prayer.

If “the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16b, NLT), imagine what can happen when several “come boldly to the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16).

This is especially true for the parents of prodigals.  The power of a praying parent is huge in a child’s life.  It may not seem that way at the time, but history is so full of examples it’s undeniable (Monica—Augustine’s mother, Jonathan and Sarah Edwards, Billy and Ruth Bell Graham, to name a few).

We struggle in the moment.  If someone hasn’t had a prodigal of their own, it’s difficult for them to understand what you’re going through.  But find those souls who are struggling in the same place and your common ground becomes hallowed ground very quickly.

What could matter more to God than parents crying out together for the salvation of their children?  Jesus himself promised to be there for that kind of praying:  “If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.  For where two or three gather together as my followers (in my name), I am there among them” Matt 18:19-20 (NLT, NIV).  When parents join together to cry out to God for their kids, they’re actually joining Jesus in his search and rescue, because he “came to seek and save those who are lost” (Luke 19:10, NLT).

I want to do everything I can to encourage that kind of praying.  Visit PrayersForProdigals.org, and you’ll find a new page has been added (click on the tab that says “Groups”) with special information to help parents form groups for prayer.  You can also add prayers for your prodigal there anonymously, and other parents going through the same challenges will join you.

 Yesterday a friend asked me if my kids were “home” (in the Kingdom) yet.  I responded, “If you use the parable of the prodigal son as a measurement, you could say they’ve returned from the far country and you can see them from the front porch.”  There are still steps to be taken, and like the father who runs in the parable, some of those steps are mine (Luke 15:20).  The biggest step—more like a leap—is to pray.