Prayer for the Prodigal

The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much . . James 5:16
As a Biblical scholar and teacher I see many subjects in my viewfinder that bring to mind specific passages of Scripture, perhaps none more so than this image. This is my favorite photo of my father in the church in our home town that he helped build. In 1997 when this was taken I had been a spiritual prodigal for 20 years. The only time I went to church was when I visited him. He on the other hand was the most faithful person I ever knew. He came to this spot every day unless he was sick or disabled. He had seven hip operations over the last 20 years of his life (note the cane hanging on the pew next to him) but they would not keep him down for long. On this morning I took the camera along so I could shoot the stained glass windows. He put up with my impiety. Knowing what I know now I have no doubt he was praying for me. Shortly after this the Lord brought me out of my slumber and my life has not been the same since. >=))>