The very act of your prayer, asking God to expose the deeds of darkness and bring them to light, is a cry that aligns with the work of the Spirit. For the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness, no matter how thick, cannot overcome it. Do not think this is a small thing you ask. When deeds are carried on in the dark, they are carried on with a foul security, but when they have many to witness what is done, the darkness is scattered. Your prayer is a lamp lifted high, and by it, the thief cannot enter unseen.
How does this light spring up for your son? The Prophet speaks of a people who did not even hope to be delivered, who sat in darkness as those not knowing where to put a step forward. God’s way is not to wait for us to stumble toward Him; the light of itself springs up and shines forth. The condition of one suffering abuse is often just this: a sitting in the shadow of death, a paralysis where standing seems impossible. But the grace of God, the law of the Spirit of life, breaks into that very death. It frees from the law of sin and death, not by removing the war, but by slaying the power of darkness within the heart first, crowning us with peace at the outset, and then drawing us into the visible struggle with abundant help from on high.
Do not fear, then, that praying for exposure means calling down a harsh judgment. The Apostle does not bid us to judge in the manner of those who condemn small errors while neglecting great beams. He bids us to reprove, which is to correct and to heal. A wound concealed outwardly runs beneath the surface, festering in full security. But as soon as it is made manifest, the light does not become the sin itself, but begins to heal the sinner. When what is hidden is brought out to light, when there is admonition, repentance, and pardon, has not all that foul darkness been cleared away? This is the fruitfulness your prayer seeks.
So put on the armor that fits this battle. Do not shy away from it as something heavy, for these are arms of light. They will set you and your son forth brighter than the sunbeam, glistening with a great security. For your son, surrounded by angels and filled with the peace of Christ, is placed in a state where the wicked cannot lie hidden. If his light, and your light, shine as conspicuous, virtuous beacons, the deeds of darkness are already being reproved by the very shining. The day is at hand, calling us to this glorious struggle, which is less a bloody war and more a solemn dance and feast-day, for the Commander is Christ, and His rule is light. Be therefore disposed to be a shining light yourself, and cling to this prayer, that together with all the faithful, seeing sin exposed and darkness put to flight, we may offer up praise and glory to the God of lovingkindness, by the grace of the only begotten Son, with whom to the Father, together with the Holy Ghost, be glory, strength, and honor now and forever and forever.