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“And he said, A certain man had two sons: ¹² And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. ¹³ And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living” (Luke 15:11-13).

It has well been said that when it comes to a prodigal we all have been one, have known one, or are still praying for one to come home. In the Bible account it was a prodigal son, but it also could be a prodigal daughter, grandchild or in today’s world even a prodigal parent. Whoever it may be, they share one thing in common—they are squandering the goods that they have been given. This is more than just monetary but the good homes, good families, good advice, good counsel and standards which they have had invested in them. They are wasting opportunities and blessings that the Lord has to offer and are being robbed by our great adversary the devil.

So what are we to do when they are out of our reach, have burnt the bridges and no longer contact or listen to any advice that we give them? Pray, pray, pray! They may be able to stop you from talking to them about God, but only you, yourself, can stop you from talking to God about them! Your prayer can go with them no matter where they are.

In this “Practical Guide to Prodigals” let’s look at how to pray for our prodigals using the Bible account as a guide.

How to pray for your prodigal:

• Pray for their recovery. Pray for their protection, but not their pleasure.

• Pray for their rescue, for someone to minister to them in their misery. For someone else who cares to be brought into contact with them, whether another family member or a complete stranger.

• Pray their regrets will soon turn to repentance.

• Pray for their safe return. Only God can bring them back home to stay.

“And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. ¹⁵ And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. ¹⁶ And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him” (Luke 15:14-16).

How to pray as a prodigal:

• Pray for your deliverance. God will only hear a sincere prayer from a repentant heart.

• Pray for God’s direction. Pray how to get out and stay out of the mess you have created.

• Pray for discernment. Seek God’s plan for restoration.

• Pray for a doctoring. That God will heal the wounds of everyone affected by your wrong decisions.

“And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! ¹⁸ I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, ¹⁹ And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants”
(Luke 15:17-19).

How to pray when the prodigal returns:

• With a thankful heart. Many do not make it back.

• With a trusting heart. Not gullible but by faith trusting that God has done a work that you have prayed for. If you don’t believe in what God has done they may not either.

• With a truthful heart. Be open and honest when dealing with the returned prodigal.

• With a tender heart. Pray for others who are still praying for their prodigal.

“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. ²¹ And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. ²² But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: ²³ And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: ²⁴ For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry” (Luke 15:20-24).

How to pray if the prodigal doesn’t make it:

• Don’t blame yourself (or others) for the choices the prodigal made when you’ve done your best. Pray for grace and understanding.

• Don’t be mad at God for not answering your prayers. God will not force himself upon anyone. If God dealt with their heart, he answered your prayer, but the prodigal refused his correction. Pray to keep your relationship strong with God.

• Don’t forget to pray for the others effected by this. Sometimes in our pain we forget others (spouses, siblings, true friends and family members) who also are hurting.

• Don’t be ashamed to use your testimony to help or warn others. Pray for opportunities to share your experiences.

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. ¹⁵ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16).

It is our sincere prayer that this tract will be a great help to those who may send it or receive it. May it give grace to those who are hurting and help to those who will follow God’s plan.

© Crossing the Streets Ministry

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