Prayer Changes Things…

Posted by Karilee on Feb 22, 2013 in Be Encouraged | 0 comments

Prayer changes things… especially our hearts!

• A teen is caught in the web of drugs, alcohol, or rampant sexual activity
• An adult son continues to live on the streets in rejection of Jesus Christ
• A daughter lives-in with an unsaved man twice her age
• A prodigal husband chooses to leave wife and children as he runs from God
• A son, stage-four alcoholic, spirals downward; he will not turn to Christ
• A youth is entangled in the gay lifestyle

How long, O Lord… how long?

At a recent WCM board meeting, the importance of praying for our prodigals was discussed at length. How can we most effectively pray for them? How can we encourage one another? What is the best way to implement effectual and earnest prayer for these loved ones? On our Prayer page, we explain a process we’ve begun to implement to pray for and encourage one another. The Apostle Paul says, “. . . You also joining in helping us through your prayers, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed upon us through the prayers of many” (2 Corinthians 1:11 NAS). The prayers of the saints definitely “helped” Paul.

Engaging Today’s Prodigal

Posted by Karilee on Sep 22, 2012 in Recommended Books | 1 comment

I recommend the following book to parents of prodigals:  ENGAGING TODAY’S PRODIGAL – Clear Thinking, New Approaches, and Reasons for HOPE,  by Carol Barnier (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2012).

Back Cover: With wisdom and humor, former prodigal Carol Barnier takes you through lessons she learned firsthand . . .  This book may be the first step to ‘change the dance’ between you and the prodigal you love.”

When Trials Come My Way

Posted by Karilee on Sep 12, 2012 in Be Encouraged | 1 comment

When trials or heartaches come my way,
Do I complain? . . . Or do I pray?
Do I choose to trust the Lord, Seek solace in His Word?
His name is Faithful and True . . .
What He promises, He will DO!

How human we are! Too many times our first reaction (and continued response) to adversity is to dwell on what’s wrong. We fret. We complain. We grumble. We “kick against the pricks,” that is, we wear ourselves out trying to “fix” things ourselves. How much better (and easier) our lives would be if we went first to God, then stayed daily in His presence with our concerns. How much greater is our peace when we “stay” our minds on Him – Isa. 26:3 KJV, ESV.

Is your prodigal still in rebellion? Do you face impossible circumstances? Have things happened in your life that you absolutely hate because you know they are contrary to all that seems right? Are you tired? Despairing? Angry?