Feb
24
2012
A Prayer for Planting Tears and Reaping Joy
Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. Ps. 126:5-6
(This is a prayer birthed from a real story. As I bring a broken friend before the throne of grace, think about similar situations in which you are engaged. Lent isn’t just about searching our own hearts before the face of a holy and gracious God. It’s also a season for loving friends in need of Easter hope and help. For whose heart are you weeping and hoping today?)
Gracious Jesus, I bring tears of hurt and hope before you today. It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last time I get word of a hard fall—of a friend being caught and entangled in the short-lived pleasures of sin (Heb. 12:1; Gal. 6:1; Heb. 11:25). Oh, how evil hates beauty. Sin is certifiable insanity. Satan is a defeated yet active foe.
If I only think about my friend and his choices, I get mad and it’d be easy to walk away. He knows better, and he’s been here before. What he did is serious, and he owns it with brokenness and pained contrition. But what happens next is equally serious. Write the story—a big story of redemption. Turn tears of sadness into shouts of gladness.
Jesus, he loves you, but his affection for you is miniscule compared to your love for him. As some would take up stones to harm him, speak these words to him: “Who is it that condemns you? Go and sin no more” (see John 8:10-11). Don’t let him make promises he cannot keep. You, Jesus, are the only promise keeper he needs.
Early in this season of Lent, let him survey your wondrous cross, upon which you, the Prince of Glory, died for rebels, fools, and idolaters just like me. As the accuser of the brethren screams condemnation, may the cross drown out those damning indictments with its louder boast, “You, my son, are fully and eternally accepted in the Beloved! Jesus became sin for you that in him you might become the righteousness of God!” (2 Cor. 5:21).
Surround my friend with those who understand the difference the gospel makes in the face of failure, betrayal, and addiction. Raise up spiritual men and women who understand the ways of gentle restoration and the journey to gospel sanity (Gal. 6:1). Provide good counseling and the healing community he will need. Show us, his friends, how to love up close and afar.
Jesus, grant my friend deep repentance—a repentance which will result in the fruit grace alone can grow. Keep him humble, teachable, and patient in the coming days. So very Amen I pray, in your tender and tenacious name.