Recently I read a story about a family raising a flock of sheep on their farm. One of the lambs was orphaned and needed special attention or it would fail to thrive. The father brought the lamb into the house and the family bottle fed it, kept it warm and socialized it. Soon, it was a part of the family, following them around and enjoying life in the house. But eventually, the time came for the lamb to return to the flock. They took the lamb outside, put it in the pen with the other sheep and went back inside for the night. Except that the lamb didn’t want to be with the flock, in the dark, outside. It knew what life was like inside the house with the father. It cried and fussed and longed to be back in the house. Soon the family realized that, at least for the time being, it was better to bring the lamb back inside so everyone would get rest that night.

I Peter 2:2-3 “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

That little lamb knew what it was like to be fed in the father’s house, and because he knew it was good and plentiful, it’s what he desired. The lamb cried and cried until it was let back into the house where he knew he would be fed. It mattered to him.

It made me think, have our children enjoyed intimate closeness with God so that they long to be in His presence? Are they eager to return to His house to spend time with Him? If asked, would they rather be with Him than not?

Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

As parents, it is our duty, our responsibility to continue praying for our sons and daughters, even when they’re grown. We need to pray that they know what it’s like to be fed in the house of the Lord, with the words of the Word, nourishing and satisfying their souls. Oh that they would crave the spiritual food that would grow their faith, strengthen their knowledge and understanding, and deepen their love!

1 Chronicles 16:11 “Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His presence continually!”

Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters seek the Lord continually, not just on Sunday, but every day. Pray that their deepest longing would be to know Him more, to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and to grow in their ‘epignosis’- their precise and correct knowledge of Him.

“Heavenly Father, You are a good Shepherd. You lead us into lush green pastures and beside still waters so that our hunger and thirst are satisfied with the best You can offer. Lord I pray for (name) today, let their spiritual hunger lead them straight to You. Don’t let them look aside to spiritual ‘fast food’ that is inch deep and overprocessed with thoughts and feelings of others. No, lead them straight to the Word where they can be filled with Truth that will change their life and draw them nearer to You. I pray that (name) would taste and see that You are good and in that, they would be spoiled for anything else. Lord help them to find joy in Your Presence so that they are continuously drawn back, again and again, to spend time with You. Lord, help me, as their parent, to model that. I pray that I would seek the Lord and His strength and His presence continually. Allow (name) to see an example in me of what it means to pursue God and find joy and pleasure in Him. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.”

Pray without ceasing.

Friends, can I ask a favor? If you’ve purchased and/or read 40 Days of Prayer for the Prodigal, would you be willing to leave a review? I’m so convicted that this book can bring hope and encouragement to those praying for prodigals and I am praying God would use it mightily. Your review can help point those looking for solid Biblical resources to this book. Thank you!

Hungry Lambs