Praying for Friends in Need: A 5-Day Study by Asheritah CiuciuMfano

## STRAYING CHILDREN “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?” MATTHEW 18:12 RECITE GOD’S GOODNESS Ever-Present Lord, You know this child’s comings and goings—nothing is hidden from Your sight. Yet You do not judge harshly as our sins deserve, but rather You go looking for the one who’s wandered off. How good You are! EXPRESS YOUR NEEDINESS Lord, I find myself wondering: Do I speak? Do I keep silent? How do I continue expressing love without condoning sin? Give me wisdom to love this child as You do. And give them no rest until they return to You with all their heart. SEEK HIS STILLNESS Picture the Gentle Shepherd pursuing your child who has strayed. How does He look at this wandering lamb? How does He look at you and the other sheep who have remained with the flock? Allow His patient love to envelope you and fill your heart this very moment. TRUST HIS FAITHFULNESS Father, I trust You to do the work that only You can do. Help me continue to faithfully pray for this child and leave an open door for when You bring them home.