Prayer for Prodigals ~ Judy Douglass

Ed's Note:  Judy Douglass is the wife of the President of Crusade for Christ.  She recently has started a prayer group focusing on people who have grown up under Christian influence, yet have turned to go their "own-way", as in the parable of the Prodigal Son.  Here is her recent letter:
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Peace that Passes Understanding  May 14, 2017 Dear Lover of Prodigals, The chaos was almost palpable. He and his friends barged through the front door. The kitchen was the first stop, then they scaled the stairs to his room in a few leaps. In the early years it was just boy noise and roughhousing. But as years went it on, it escalated. We wanted him and his friends to feel welcome in our home, but over time boyishness became abusive—to our home, to our values, to our peace. Peace. I remember peace in our home—when children were young and responsive. When I didn’t have to hide my purse from his friends. When I didn’t need a man to stay there when we were gone—just to protect our home. I remember peace in my heart—before he had a car and I never knew where he was. Before he had a computer and I never knew where he was exploring. Before his activities became risky, even dangerous and destructive. The promise of peace.  Gratefully, Jesus promised us peace repeatedly: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) The Apostle Paul assures us of that peace: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) The source of that peace: In the first verse above, the peace Jesus offers comes from the Spirit: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you….” (John 14:26-27) In these passages and others Paul also makes clear the source of our peace: “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22) Thus, when your prodigal and his/her choices bring turmoil, anxiety, worry, fear, you can ask the Spirit for that peace that passes understanding. By the Spirit, Judy Douglass