by Sally Matheny
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| Praying for the Prodigal by Andrea Merrell |
Do you have a wayward child? Perhaps one that grew up
attending church, yet later walked away from his faith? Praying
for the Prodigal is a book that offers spiritual encouragement as well as
practical advice. And, who better to write this book than the mother of a
prodigal son and a prodigal daughter.
Andrea Merrell shares heartbreaking stories of her
teens spiraling down dangerous paths. They became distant, not sharing where they
were or whom they were with, even to the point of not coming home at all.
Between the time spent in the magistrate’s office and the hospitals, Andrea and
her husband were carrying heavy burdens—financial, emotional, and spiritual.
She also shares the difficulties she and her husband had of carrying those burdens alone--secretly from friends. Andrea says, “If I learned
anything in those dark days, it is that God is loving and faithful. His Word is
true and prayer works.”
Thirty prayers, accompanied by scripture, provide
parents a guide to get them started. Practical advice is offered, including how
to set boundaries, how to stay calm, as well as a helpful parent-survival
checklist.
At the end of the book, the prodigals, who finally
returned home and to the Lord, share their thoughts and suggestions.
This is a book that every parent
would benefit from reading. It will
impart wisdom to those just beginning their parenting journey and offer hope to
those who are waiting on their prodigals to return.
This week, I have a special, two-part post. Andrea Merrell, the author of Praying for the Prodigal, kindly accepted my invitation to guest post on my blog. Please be sure to read Andrea's wonderful post, "How Can I Prodigal-Proof my Child?"
