Take the Day Off

This is another in a series of letters to those who have prodigals in their lives.  In this letter I introduce this year's Worldwide Day of Prayer for Prodigals on June 2.Dear Lover of Prodigals,Are you tired?  Weary?  Need a break?When you love a prodigal, it is often easy to say “yes!” to those questions.Our minds are exhausted trying to know where they are and what they are doing, and striving to find something that works.  Our hearts are so weary from the battle, the confusion, the loss, the fear.  Even our bodies are tired—depleted from conflict, sleep-deprived, worn out from going to and fro looking for help.God says, “Take the day off.”He is a fan of rest!  He rested after creating the universe.  He provided a day of rest for us.  In fact, he commanded us to rest—he said everyone in the home, plus the animals—needs to take a day off and REST!  He even required that the land get a year off every seven years.I think God is really serious about REST. And I believe this is the theme he has given us for the 2011 Worldwide Day of Prayer for Prodigals.  It is just over 9 weeks until June 2—9 weeks for us to prepare to do major battle for our very loved wanderers.Our first focus will be on finding rest for ourselves—our bodies, our minds, our spirits.  But we will also talk about praying rest for our prodigals.  Just think how weary they must be as they fight against us, against their demons and addictions and against the eternal God.  Perhaps some rest for their souls will give them the will to abandon the fight they have chosen and walk a different path.Our theme verse is Jeremiah 6:16:  “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”Over these next 9 weeks I will send additional thoughts on REST.  Be seeking the Lord for yourself and for your prodigal.  Update your prayer requests.  Let us know if someone needs to be removed from the big List of Prodigals to Pray For.  Invite others to participate with us.I am so grateful for the community God has created among us, and for the powerful prayers He has given us.  I am eager for June 2, and for the work He will do in our lives and in their lives.Be at rest, my friends,JudyIf you want more information about Prayer for Prodigals or the June 2 Worldwide Day of Prayer for Prodigals, please write me at prayerforprodigalsatgmaildotcom.> Nexten español: Tómate el día libre