Thorns: Curses or Blessings?

This morning I was reading in Hebrews 6. Verses 3-8 are hard verses to read when you are praying for someone you love who has often had the rain of God's grace fall on them yet they have born thorns and thistles.

I found a glimmer of hope. Verse 7 says they are "near to being cursed." As long as they are alive there is hope.

Here is what I prayed:

Though they have had your gracious rain fall on them, but have worthlessly born thorns and thistles, hold back the curse that is near. (Heb. 6:7,8)

Instead, make your blessings flow "far as the curse is found."

Use the thorns they have grown to build a hedge of protection around them until the find their way to you. (Hosea 2:6,7)

Pour our your Spirit from on high until they become a fruitful field of righteousness and peace. (Is 32:13-18)

May they come to love you for wearing the crown of thorns their sin placed on your head. (John 19:2)

Journal Resource: Thoughts on Prayers for Unbelievers