A two-year-old with whom we were very close was in the hospital with multiple respiratory infections. So many tubes were attached to his little body for antibiotics and other medications and to help him breathe. He was so weak from fighting all of the infections, and it seemed every day or two, another type of infection was diagnosed. 

At the time, the song “Great Are You, Lord” was popular. Every time we sang, “It’s Your breath in our lungs,” we felt it was a prayer for our precious little friend, who was fighting to breathe.

One morning, the hospital staff called his parents, who had gone home for some rest, to come to the hospital immediately. His parents called for prayer, fearful of what they would encounter. We had already prayed so many prayers for his healing, but that morning, when it seemed all hope was lost, we turned to God yet again.

And our little friend began healing! 

I remember the first time I got to hold him during his recovery. He was already so full of life. Even though he couldn’t get on the germy floor of the hospital, he just wanted to play. He was so very full of the life that just a few days before felt threatened. 

Now he is six years old, and I don’t believe I have ever seen so much life in one person. He is happy, playful, extroverted, joyful, fun, energetic. His personality is even larger! And when we hear “Great Are You, Lord,” it is a beautiful reminder of the miracle of his life.

If you’ve lost hope, feeling like there is no hope of life left for your prodigal, remember that the same God who resurrected a little boy miraculously can breathe new life, abundant life, more life than you can imagine, into your prodigal, no matter how far they’ve gone astray.

So that is our prayer today. Life. Abundant life. Gushing life.

PROMISE: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 NKJV).

PRAISE: Life, God of hope

PRAYER: Our Father, __________ is dead spiritually, but I know there is hope of life in him/her because of Your promises. I ask You to raise him/her from that spiritual death and fill him/her with truth, righteousness, and Your Holy Spirit until he/she overflows, until he/she is gushing with You, affecting everyone around him/her. In Jesus’ name I pray.

(Story used by permission from the parents of our little friend.)