Today I want to share about a fairly small thing that has had an outsized impact on my journey over the past several years.  But first, let’s revisit the parable of the original prodigal son in Luke chapter 15.

The younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.  After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.  He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

It only takes a few sentences to describe the time the son was away; but between the journey there, the squandering, the famine, and the long walk home, it could easily have been several years.  Meanwhile, back home, the father carries on with his business, but with his mind on his son and one eye on the horizon. There are no cell phones, no social media, no way to know whether the son is dead or alive. The parable doesn’t mention a mother, and the oldest son doesn’t seem very sympathetic to the father’s plight. The father is alone in his longing for his son, and the son is gone for a very long time.

Does this feel familiar?

When we find ourselves with a child in a “far country,” we are better off to share the waiting.  It is remarkably beneficial to have people who can pray with you for your child.  For many years I have been part of a small group of moms who meet regularly (usually on Zoom) to pray for each other’s kids; some who are lost, some who are not.  We aren’t typical friends; we don’t socialize or chat on the phone.  These moms have never met any of my kids, and with a few exceptions, I have not met theirs.  But I know their sons and daughters, their sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, and their grandkids, by name and by nature.  And these moms know more about the spiritual state of my kids and grandkids than probably anyone else in my life.  When we meet, we update each other on who is going through what, and then we pray. There isn’t much hand-wringing or advice-giving; just powerful, focused prayer. 

An amazing thing happens when you pray for someone you don’t know.  Holy Spirit often reveals something wonderful about that person that comes out in prayer.  It is a unique blessing both to the child you’re praying for, and to the mom who knows you have just shared God’s heart for their child.  I have been on the receiving end of this blessing more times than I can count.  Another wonderful benefit this group is that if an urgent need or answer to prayer comes up in between the meetings, we can send out a short text and know that within minutes there will be others faithfully interceding or rejoicing with us. 

I believe my participation in this group has been pivotal in my ability to maintain hope.  To be honest, when I attended my first meeting, all of my kids were a mess and I was too.  But the prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective!  God has done more than I thought possible in some cases, and I still see his hand at work in others.    

During the time your prodigal is away, I urge you to carve out a regular time to meet with someone for the purpose of praying for your children.  It doesn’t have to be a formal group. A “cord of three strands” is enough – you, your prayer partner, and Jesus.  The only qualifications are love for the Lord and willingness to pray and be prayed for.  Ask God to show you someone or bring you someone.  Take advantage of technology to meet with someone who isn’t close by. 

You could even connect with other members of this community, if you don’t have another connection.  Put your name and time zone in the comments.  If there is a match you can then send your contact information privately to Ann, and she will facilitate a virtual introduction.  It is not good for man to be alone.  May you be blessed to share the journey.