So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.
Luke 15:20
Jesus told a story about a son who left home and a father who kept watching the road. Many parents know that father’s ache. This prayer is for a wayward son or daughter who has walked away from home, from faith, or both.
Lord, my child has walked away. From our family, from the faith they grew up with, maybe from You. I don’t fully understand why, and I miss them more than I can say.
You know exactly where they are tonight. You know what they are running from and what they are running toward. Please don’t let them out of Your sight.
Keep them safe while they’re out there. Protect them from the worst consequences of their choices. Put people in their path who show them real love, people who might plant a seed I can’t plant.
Stir something in their heart, a memory of home and a longing for You. Let them realize they can come back.
Help me be ready when that day comes. Take any bitterness out of my heart. Let me be like the father in the story Jesus told, ready to welcome my child without conditions.
Until then, give me patience and hope. Help me keep the porch light on.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A short prayer by name, every morning. Free to start.
So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.
Luke 15:20
This is what the LORD says: “Keep your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for the reward for your work will come, declares the LORD. Then your children will return from the land of the enemy. So there is hope for your future, declares the LORD, and your children will return to their own land.
Jeremiah 31:16–17
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Luke 19:10
Father, You know where my child is tonight. Keep them safe and stay close to them. Soften their heart and turn them toward home and toward You. Take the bitterness out of my heart so I’m ready to welcome them back. I’m keeping the light on. Amen.
Waiting for a prodigal can take years. Keep praying, but keep living too. See friends and rest when you can. If contact is possible, send a short message now and then that asks nothing of them. Let them know the door is open without pushing them through it.