When he

went back home, his dad was waiting for him. His dad

threw a big party to celebrate the fact that his son had

come home. The wayward, prodigal son was the star of the

party. Go figure that one. You and I may be like the

other older son who couldn't figure out the old man.

Young son acts the part of the jerk, breaks every

commandment in the book, and comes home for a handout.

Rather than giving a limited handout, dad throws the

biggest party of the season. Dad restores the young boy

to a place of honor and position (read the whole joyous

account for yourself in Luke 15:11f).

This story

from the lips of Jesus and the all too painful reality of

wayward, prodigal children form the motivation for

Thursday's (Dec. 2) prayer emphasis for prodigals. You

can be involved and should be involved.

Just how

many prodigals are out there, not having come to their

senses? How many parents have a prodigal living under

their own roof? How many spouses experience husbands and

wives who have left home to wander in the fields of sin?

But more, how many children have parents who have

abandoned their families?

The

situation is bigger than you think. And it's time the

church does something about it. That's prayer. You can

step out in believing prayer two times tomorrow: noon at

Sam's Auditorium and 7 p.m. at Fayetteville Church of

God. The church will be praying for all prodigal

circumstances. Perhaps you have friends who have

prodigals. Bring them with you.

God is

doing a new thing in the south metro area. Get in on it!

The Rev. Dr. John

Hatcher is pastor of River's Edge Community Church in

Fayetteville.

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