“All your sons and daughters will be taught by the Lord; and great will be your children’s peace” Isaiah 54:13.

I have a friend whose child is wandering into dangerous places. There is no deeper pain than for a parent to watch a son or daughter make foolish, life altering choices and to stand by as they reject warnings and counsel and help. I grieve for my friend.

Like the Father in Jesus’ Prodigal Son parable, my friend stands and watches and waits, looking for the day when his child will return. He hopes, not with a wishing kind of fantasy, but with expectation. “God’s promises will come true,” he says, in spite of present evidence. His love is untainted and unyielding, though it is being sorely tested at the moment. Of course, love isn’t always nice. Sometimes it is firm and bold and wrapped up in tough discipline. But a father’s love, THE Father’s love is always, always faithful. I’m praying today for my friend, that his love for his wayward child.

“God, we pray to day for parents who are enduring the onslaught of discouragement over the choices of their children. Give them hope that your promises are never defeated, and that you can make a way through dark places when there seems to be no light. Give them, today, sound wisdom to know specifically how love for their child needs to be expressed. Then give them the same tomorrow, and then the day after. Give them endurance to hope beyond hope. Give the courage, and surprising joy. I pray also for the children who are wandering from the ways of wisdom. We pray today that they will return. Lead them home, coaxing their desires, compelling their dreams, and frustrating their rebellions. And when they do make even the smallest step homeward we will welcome them and celebrate the victory. God, you are a perfect father, THE Father. We know you share this desire with us. Bring our sons and daughters home! We hear your promises and we hold on to them as we hold on to you, and at the same time release our children into your care. In Jesus…”