One counselor says when you’re praying for an unruly child, base your prayer on one of God’s promises. Reflect on God’s character, ask God to give your child discernment and give you wisdom of how and when to speak or be silent. Ask God to bring back your child and prepare your heart for the child’s return. We read in Nehemiah CH 9 how following a time of confession of the people’s sins, he led the group in praying. He began by focusing on God’s majesty—his nature, character, and kindness. He listed many of the specific deeds God had done in delivering the people from slavery, through the wilderness and into the Promised Land; how despite their rebellion, God had not abandoned them entirely but had kept the promises He had made to their ancestors. He portrayed God as forgiving, “gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love.” Today that same gracious God invites us to repent of our sins, to accept His Son as our Savior, and allow Him to direct our paths into righteous paths.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
