Praying for Rain

June has been a hot, dry month here in Texas. The last time I listened to the weather, our local meteorologist said we were 6 inches behind in rainfall. And many days saw the temperatures top the century mark. Hot. Dry. Desolate. Barren. Parched. I can close my eyes and imagine the sun burning hot on my face. The stillness of the dry air pulling moisture from my body. If only it would rain. If only the heavens would open and the refreshing smell of rain would permeate the air. If only I could stand with my face toward the sky and feel the cool, life-giving drops falling on my skin. If only ...

I guess as a writer, I see the situations around me as metaphors for life. It is no surprise to me that during a dry, arid season in the lives of my prodigals, there would be no rain for me either. The feelings inside when I think of them are so similar to the picture I've painted in my mind of the dry desolation of the parched land longing for a drink of cool water.

Isaiah 44:3 "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants."

As I have prayed many, many scriptures for my children, this one comes to my heart so often. As we see the desolation and sun-leathered faces of our children as they wander in the desert, we so often long for them to find the oasis ... that place where fresh water and green, lush vegetation punctuate the death of the desert around it. We long for the refreshing, restoring rains to fall upon them. That the water will clean and refresh. That it will bring new life to their thirsting heart and soul. That the healing waters of the Spirit of God would wash away the deception that they've held as truth and wash their eyes and minds to see and experience the healing and wisdom of the God Who yearns to be their Living Water.

I don't know where you are today, or what your struggles may be as you stand in the gap for your prodigal. But I encourage you to remain faithful in prayer. If you ever wonder just how patient He is with those who wander in the desert, read the story of Hosea. Always hope. Always trust. Always believe. The Lord of the rain will one day truly bring refreshing, cleansing, healing water to the desert. Pray that He will pour out His Spirit on your offspring. Pray for the Rain to fall ...

Be blessed!