Praying for the prodigals
Acknowledging Your Emotions
Pam talked about the guilt she and other parents often feel, along with the questioning and doubts experienced when a child becomes a prodigal. She points out that we need to deal with these feelings and not just assume everything happened because of your failure as a parent. It’s important to see that a prodigal may also be rebelling against God and it may not be a parental failing
The Impact of Parenting
Pam shares some lessons about talking with her older children about the impact of her parenting, who did not experience what her prodigal child did. She also realized some of her areas for growth as a parent and has learned to be a better listener to her younger children. She also has realized how important it is to recognize each of her children’s individual relationship with God.
The Power of Praying for the Prodigals
In praying for her prodigal child, as well as all her children, Pam emphasized the importance of recognizing it is often a situation of spiritual warfare. She points out that a prodigal child is never the enemy, even if they seem to be. They are imprisoned by the enemy, Satan. Realizing this, her prayers take on a different and stronger tone because she is trusting God completely to bring reconciliation, however long it may take.
Letting Go and Trusting God
Pam has had to learn about surrendering control and trusting in God’s plan for herself and her whole family. She has realized that she cannot solve a problem by herself. She has found her prayers to be more effective than being physically present with her child. She also has learned she has to respect her prodigal child as an individual to make their own decisions and that all her children have their own individual relationship with God.
Creating a Supportive Community
I asked Pam for something that was important for any parents who have prodigal children. She emphasized how important it is to be part of a supportive community, not just to find support but to give it as well. It’s not just about quoting Bible verses, but offering compassion and a shoulder to lean on if necessary. She also said you need to find a way to be consistent in praying for the prodigals. She has a reminder in her shower to pray.
Encouraging Vulnerability
We talked about how important it is to be sensitive and supportive of those dealing with the challenges of having a prodigal child, especially in Christian circles. Sometimes church folks can be a bit judgemental. She emphasized the need to be vulnerable, whether you’re a parent of a prodigal or offering support. And it’s important to be in a safe place for sharing.
Quotes from Pam Fields on Praying for the Prodigals
- This [having a prodigal child] has not disabled your life. This has not made everything else in your life moot. Step up and step into the calling that God has on your life.
- I just trust that the Lord is working out this story as we’re waiting. We’re gonna trust that the Lord is fighting for him [her son], and for us, for His truth to prevail.
- I just have to trust that God will bring that point of reconciliation and not get waylaid from the tasks that He has for us now, and I look forward to that hopeful time, when we’re all together again.
- I can very quickly feel the need to pray for my son’s prodigalness, his situation. Right? But if I just jump to that and don’t recognize what the Lord is doing in me, then I don’t think I’m going to have the complete knowledge and understanding of what’s going on here because I think the Lord is trying to refine me as well.
Quote for Legacy of Prayer* by Jennifer Kennedy Dean
Prayer has no limits, no time limits, no geographical limits. Just as surely as we can provide for our children’s present and daily needs through prayer, we can also reach into their futures, laying a foundation of blessings for our children, our grandchildren, and all of our descendants. Prayer is so effective that when our children are away from us, we can continue to parent them through our prayers because our prayers are more powerful even than our presence.
Pam and her husband Andrew, have nine children and four grandchildren. She’s always had a heart for encouraging moms in their walk with the Lord and in their mothering journey. She enjoys sharing testimonies on her podcast, The Mom Next Door: Stories of Faith. When Pam has some free time, you can find her at coffee with friends or planning her next family gathering at their home in Cookeville, Tennessee.
Episode 134: Moms in the Bible
Pam Field’s contact info:
Website: TendingFields.net
Facebook: Tending Fields page
Facebook Tending Fields Moms Group
Instagram: Tending Fields
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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Bible References
Ephesians 6:11-13 NKJV
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Exodus 14:14 NIV
14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Proverbs 22:6 NKJV
6 Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Isaiah 54:13 NKJV
13 All your children shall be taught by the LORD,
And great shall be the peace of your children.
