Thursday, March 7, 2013

Upside Down Prayers for Parents

This book was very challenging to read.  As a mother, I want to pray prayers of protection over my children.  Prayers for health, wisdom, drawing closer to the Lord, keeping safe, learning well.  I will continue to pray those prayers for my children.  However, I liked the different angle that the author approached praying for our children.
In some situations I can see praying these upside down prayers.  Hard situations.
The entire book put a different light on praying for your children.  Although some of the prayers I could never bring myself to pray for my children, the message behind each one that she shares is definitely something I could pray.
I could pray for them to know forgiveness and be able to forgive...but I do not think I could pray for them to HAVE to have done something that needed forgiving.  For one thing, I know we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God...so I don't have to pray that they will! :)
I did think the book was very different from any other parenting devotional book I read, and I think it has much value if taken in the right spirit.

The Briarpatch Gospel : Fearlessly Following Jesus into the Thorny Places


When I read the first chapter of this book The Briarpatch Gospel:  Fearlessly Following Jesus Into the Thorny Places...I put it down.  It came close to offending me but I recognized that the offense was in me and not in the Holy Spirit that was in me.  I read a part of it to my husband, knowing him pretty well, expecting him to be be offended.  But he didn't say a word for a while...then he said, I think he's right.
I do too.  I think Shayne Wheeler has written a book that is really about following Jesus, not just saying the words and acting the part.  This is one of those books that you have to re-read. One of those that you move slowly through because you have to stop and pray just about after every chapter.
You will either put it down after the first chapter, or you will keep reading and keep praying on bended knee for Jesus to give you the strength to follow Him where it isn't easy to follow.
Well-written, honest, easy to read as far as reading level...but challenging to the heart.  It took me longer to get through this book because I had to stop and think and pray so much.
I would highly recommend this book, especially if you are seeking a deeper walk with Jesus.
Mr. Wheeler has a website for his book as well that you can visit http://briarpatchgospel.com/.  The website has discussion guides and helps for the book.
If you would like to read the first chapter, you can do so but visiting this link:  http://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/FirstChapters/978-1-4143-7230-3.pdf