Japanese Drama Review 5 - Hanayori Dango Episode 1 - Makino Growing in Prayer

Makino’s been told she can’t endure Eitoku High School on her own. She needs to be in prayer to endure. To pray at all times. She needs to be alert. To simply tell her to pray, to ask God, is not enough. We need to teach her to pray Biblically. To understand God’s principles for life and know the wisdom Scripture shares with us to be able to stand strong.

Psalm One is a good place to start. During family devotion and prayer time they should read the Psalm a few times. Furthermore, they should discuss its practical implications.

What do they think the text means? How are they to understand what the Lord wants them to know and do? After which they should pray about what they’ve learned, asking the Lord to help them, and assist them in applying His principles to the situation at Eitoku, and to other events and circumstances particular to each member of the family.

In patterning prayer for Makino her parents should focus on application of the Psalm. That the Lord would give Makino wisdom to not be drawn to the areas trouble makers frequent – to not be intrigued by their words and behaviors and with what may occur. Standing firm now will not allow for her to be enticed to walking with them. It is a few step to sitting down and being caught up in their activities.

If she guards her heart and understanding of the peer group – how displeasing their activities are to the Lord and how her desire is to please Him then her steps will stay secure. She will walk away.

Makino should be taught to pray and ask the Lord that His word would become her delight. That she would find His word to be a pure refreshing stream sustaining her.

• Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish (Psalm 1:1-6).

• No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

1. What could you add to the counsel we have given to Makino and her family?

2. What encouragement could you share with them as to the Lord’s faithfulness to your family?

3. What is the source of strength that causes Makino to endure?

4. What form does the 1 Corinthians 10:13 escape take in Makino’s situation?

#drama #Japanese