Dear John and Doves,

As some of you may know, my son Jason (28) is serving time in a minimum security prison for prescription fraud as a result of his addiction to pain pills.  He is located about 15 miles north east of the Evans Road wildfire in NE NC, the largest wildfire in the country as of last week (over 40,000 acres).  The air quality alerts have been purple (the worst) for days.  The facilities where he is has no air-condition so there is no escaping indoors from the heavy smoke.

Needless to say tensions in the prison are at a fever pitch.  Two Sundays ago there was nearly a riot because of all the smoke. Then this past Sunday night after lights out, two men were fighting, apparently over the TV, when a third man got into the fray and nearly killed the older man that was in the fight.  My son witnessed it all (he had gotten up to go to the bathroom and walked right into it)and was frightened to say what he saw for fear of retribution.  In each letter I send him I stress the importance of being ready for Christ's return for His Church.  This week he wrote at the top of his letter "Hey, I got your card today.  I want you to know that I am ready, so if the time comes before I'm out of here...I'll see you there!"  Sweeter words a mother has never heard!!!  So for all you praying for prodigals...keep praying!!!

Today I composed this prayer, after watching Charles Stanley's sermon on Life Changing Prayer from Colossians 1:9-12.  I will send it to him tomorrow, asking him to pray it without ceasing as I will pray it for him daily as well.

DAILY PRAYER

Heavenly Father, today I pray that You would fill me up with the knowledge of Your perfect will for my life. Instruct me by Your Holy Spirit in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.  Help me to see and understand every part of this day through Your eyes and then know how to act accordingly.

Let everything I do or say or think this day be considered worthy of Jesus Christ.  Let me be a reflection of Him in all I do or say.  May others not see me, but see Christ in me.

May the efforts I make today, whatever they may be, point others to Jesus and bring honor and glory to His name.

Help me to find a quiet time today to spend just with You.  Sink Your truth deep into my spirit.  Help me Lord to take what You teach me and apply it to my life.  Open the eyes of my heart to Your Truth Lord, and then to be obedient to do what You teach me.  When I am obedient to Your Word, then I can leave the consequences to You.

As I do my work today, Lord I pray that when things get tough, I would experience Your strength and energy and power.  For Your word says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, so I stand on Your promise Lord ~ give me Your strength so that I may do Your will for Your Glory.

Oh God, I give you deep joyous thanks for Your grace.  My love for You Lord runs so deep that I cannot help but give You honor and glory and praise for saving me.

Father I ask today that You keep me in the palm of Your hand.  Keep me safe from the evil one and all those who would do me harm.  May Your will be done on earth and Your Kingdom come soon, Lord Jesus; but until that day comes, may the powers of darkness have no power over me.  For I have died, and my life is hidden with Christ in God. 

Father forgive me for the sins I have committed against You and others, including myself.  Your word proclaims…If we confess our sins You are faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Help me always to keep Your commandments and abide in Your Love and Truth.  Wash me clean today in the blood of Jesus Christ and I will be whiter than snow.  I ask these things in the name above all names, Jesus Christ.   Amen.

Watching and praying He comes soon!

Cathy M.