Most of you are probably familiar with the story Jesus tells of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15.
A fairly wealthy man has two sons. The younger one decides he’s had enough of boring ranch life and asks his dad to give him his inheritance early. Without looking back, he heads off into the world, living his best life, and squandering everything his father bestowed on him along the way. Eventually, the shininess wears off and the young man recognizes the mess he’s made. He longs for the life he gave up, yet realizes he is unworthy to even eat with the pigs. Humbly, he makes his way home, hoping his father might take pity on him and hire him as a farmhand.
Luke tells us that “when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran to him.” This story has several messages, but the overarching point is that our Father, like the one in the story, has tremendous compassion and mercy for His children, even when our hearts are prone to wander. He watches for us when we leave Him, and He celebrates when we return!
This parable actually follows two similar parables in Luke 15. Some religious leaders are giving Jesus a hard time because of the type of crowd He is drawing. In response, He tells three stories. First, He brings up how a man will leave the rest of his flock in order to find one sheep that has wandered off. Next, He shares about a woman who, after losing one of her ten coins, cleans her house top to bottom, all night long, searching for that single coin. And then He tells the story of the Prodigal son. Each time the lost item is found, there is a celebration!
Y’all, here’s the cool thing…
The younger brother CHOSE to walk away. Enticed by worldly pleasures and his own pride, he willfully turned his back on his father. Sheep, however, are not rebellious. They don’t walk out on the shepherd; they wander away without even realizing it. They are led astray, either by others or by their own impulses, and they are easily distracted and deceived. And coins? Well, coins don’t lose themselves—they are lost by others. These are people who maybe aren’t properly valued, who inadvertently get hurt by the Church, or who somehow fall through the cracks.
In other words, prodigals are not all the same.
There’s a reason Jesus breaks this down so clearly for us. He wants to make sure we catch it: It doesn’t matter to Him why we’re lost; all that matters is that we are found!
It doesn’t matter to Him why we’re lost; all that matters is that we are found!
If you are reading this post, there’s a good chance you have a prodigal in your life. Someone you care about is walking away from the Lord, either by chance or by choice, leaving you grieved and desperate. You want nothing more than to draw their heart back to Jesus, but unfortunately, it’s not up to you. What do you do?
PRAY.
“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (James 5:16, NLT) “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5, NLT) “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Ephesians 6:18, NIV)
This battle for our loved ones is a SPIRITUAL battle!
As Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” How do fight spiritual battles? The same way Jesus did: “It is written…” (See Matthew 4).
I don’t understand how it works, but I know we release tremendous power in the spiritual realm when we pray for God’s will using His Word. It is always God’s desire for our loved ones to return to Him! The choice is still theirs, but we can be sure our Father is watching the horizon, cleaning the house, and traversing the valleys on their behalf.
Therefore, we can pray confidently, knowing He desires to celebrate their homecoming even more than we do!
Here are 5 Scripture Prayers you can pray over your prodigal:
**Isaiah 52:7-8
How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”
8 Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices;
together they shout for joy.
When the Lord returns to Zion,
they will see it with their own eyes.
Pray the Word:
Lord, how beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news of your love to those who need it! Please send faithful messengers into _____________’s life to proclaim Your peace, the good news of the gospel, and the salvation that comes only by trusting in Christ. Make ___________ open and receptive to their friendship and to the truth of Your grace. I believe we will shout for joy, as those who watch over them in prayer, when we see them return to You with our own eyes! Our God reigns! We praise You for your faithfulness in preparing the way for them to come home.
**Isaiah 49:24-26
Can plunder be taken from warriors,
or captives be rescued from the fierce[c]?
25 But this is what the Lord says:
“Yes, captives will be taken from warriors and plunder retrieved from the fierce;
I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save.
26 I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh;
they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine.
Then all mankind will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior,
your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” (NIV)
Pray the Word:
Lord, I confess that sometimes these circumstances seem overwhelming. Sometimes I feel like this enemy is too big and _____________ is too lost for You to save. But You are the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. Time after time, you have done the impossible and defeated the “unbeatable” enemy. You slay the giants, You bring the strong to their knees—that’s who You are and what You do. Nothing is impossible for You! You are so faithful to remind me that those taken captive can be recovered and that which has been stolen can be taken back from the enemy. Please contend with those who contend with You and rescue Your child! Defeat the boastful deceiver who dares to challenge You so the whole world will know that You, the Lord, are _____________’s Savior, their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob!
**Acts 26: 17-18 (Jesus revealing himself to Saul…)
“I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” (NIV)
Pray the Word:
Lord, just as you blinded Saul to get his attention and then restored his sight in order to show him Your face, I pray you will do the same for ____________. Please open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light. Turn them away from the power of Satan and towards Your almighty power, so they may receive forgiveness of their sins. Help them to believe in You, Jesus, and accept their place among those who are sanctified. And may their testimony, like Saul’s, draw many hearts to You.
**Jeremiah 24:4-7
“This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Like these good figs, I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I sent away from this place to the land of the Babylonians. 6 My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. 7 I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.”
Pray the Word:
Lord, I believe _____________ is like the good figs that ripened early, like the Remnant who believed but was led astray and then exiled. I trust that though ____________ is in a “foreign land” spiritually, Your eyes will watch over them for their good, and You will bring them back to You. Lord, when they begin to seek You, please build them up and don’t tear them down. May the seeds of Truth in their heart form deep roots so they will not be uprooted. And above all, give them a heart to know You as the Lord, the One true God, their Savior. May they return to you with all their heart and once again be your people.
Mark 9:23-24
Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (NKJV) (**This father asks for healing for his son, but the disciples couldn’t do it. Jesus told them this one comes out only by prayer and fasting)
Pray the Word:
Lord, I bring ______________ before You. They need You, Jesus! Only You can provide what they need most. I come asking for Your intervention on their behalf. I do believe in Your power, your grace, and your faithfulness. Lord, help my unbelief! Thank you that Your power is made perfect in my weakness, and nothing is impossible for you. Give me faith to trust You as I wait in expectation.
Friends, I would love to partner with you as you pray for the prodigals in your life. Please feel free to reach out~ comments, email, DM, whatever. Share their names and stories, and I will join you in fighting this battle. They are seen and loved by their Father, even now!
Yes! Please pray for my prodigals, Riley (17), Cameron (30), Kirby (33)
Thank you!
Joining you in prayer, Pam! Such a hard thing. But what a blessing for them to have someone who is fighting for them in prayer! Thank you for reaching out. May the Lord do whatever it takes to draw their hearts to Jesus!
Please pray for my daughter, Lilian to return back to God. She used to be on fire for God and serve in Church. Sad to say she turned away from God after she left home for her further studies. My heart is broken.
That’s when my son started drifting. It’s a big change when they leave home a whole new world that’s open to them. It’s easier for me to believe for others than for my own son but I stand with you in agreement that Lilian whose name is on the palm of Jesus will return to the land she came from. In Jesus name. The blood of Jesus speaks greater things in heaven than on earth, I don’t know what to pray but the Holy Spirit does. Lord watch over Lilian and bind the strongman over her life and send labourers to her at her work, school, home wherever she goes. In Jesus name
Please pray for my son Christopher, age 45. He knows the Lord but feels like a failure and disappointment to Him.He struggles with addiction issues, rejection, and very low self-esteem. My heart just breaks for him. My husband and I also need tremendous grace to love Chris enough to lovingly stand strong in keeping boundaries…fighting co-dependence. So very painful. “I believe Lord; help my unbelief.”
That is so hard. Just prayed for Christopher. Asking the Lord to give you all wisdom and courage as you navigate this journey.
Thank you for these prayers. Please pray for my son, Timothy, already 15 years in that far away country. May the Father’s love reach his heart.
I’m praying for all 15 prodigals listed here. May each be rescued from darkness & choose the Lord’s love & light all praise & glory to God. Praying for strength, faith,& endurance for each parent in their despair not to give up hope in Christ.
Daisy, praying with you for Timothy. God’s timing is perfect and nothing is impossible for Him!
Son Andrew stuck in addiction
Lord, please heal Andrew of his addiction and draw his heart to You, in Jesus’ name.
Praying for Riley and Cameron. Lord bring them home to what they were taught. All thy children shall be taught if the Lord and great shall be thy children. Your children are mighty in the land. The captive of the warrior will be released the plunder of the tyrant will be retrieved, I will fight those that fight you and I will save your children. Blessed is the fruit of your womb. God your word is true and you cannot lie. Nothing is too hard for you, when the enemy steals I ask you would return everything that he stole. Restore these boys back to life in Jesus. Let nothing be lost in Jesus name.
I have been standing for my prodigal wife for over 2 years. Just starting to receive positive communication from her. I’m growing more anxious for more everyday…what do I do next?
Thank you for posting this. Yes, pleas pray for Katelyn and Kearstin. Both chose to be baptized at 12 and 8. We were baptized as a family because my husband and I were baptized as babies and we were making our public declaration. I wasn’t a wise teacher and they have chosen the world.
Thank you for sharing, Teresa. Many come to the faith without believing parents, and many who are raised with great wisdom wander or walk away. Satan is a liar, and many are easily deceived. But there is still hope! Lord, hear our prayer for Katelyn and Keratin. Please put people in their life (and all the loved ones mentioned in these comments) to draw their hearts back to You. Reveal Yourself to them, Lord, that they might know the Truth and be set free! We ask in the mighty name of Jesus!
Please pray for my son Matthew Hays. That he would be saved. He is running away from everything that is true and right.
I’m praying. Mothers need to pray for each other. A verse I love is The latter house will be greater than the former house. Your son will be greater and even better then he was when God transforms him into a new creation ❤️❤️❤️✝️✝️✝️👏👏👏👏💪💪💪💪
Please pray for my daughter Lauren who was a prayer warrior before she moved to the west coast and became a target for the lies of the enemy and is drowning in deception …becoming prideful and rebellious . My heart cries out that every stronghold will be torn down by the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of GOD !
Joining you in prayer over Lauren! May she know the TRUTH, and may He set her free!
Please pray for my children, Peter(33), Joy(27), and Daniel(20). They once knew and loved the Truth. The oldest is especially heartbreaking. His life is miserable but he refuses to repent. I never dreamed someone could change so much for the worse. He was a precious, joyful kid. I miss him terribly, even though we see him, because we gave him a job, to support our 4 grandkids. His wife is mentally ill and openly sleeps around. It’s hard to watch him suffer. Please pray.
Oh Jonni, that is so hard! Praying with you for all three of your children. May the Lord draw their hearts to Him as only He can!
Amen
Please pray for my son Dru. He was raised in the church, Christian school, I was a single mother and I noticed he started drifting just before he went to college. He married a Christian girl and has a two yr old and 7 math old. He no longer goes to church with her and says he’s not a Christian. My hearts been so broken and honestly I’m falling myself from weariness feels like it’s been forever. It’s been maybe five years or so but it’s hard on my daughter-in-law and her family as they all serve God. She does all the devotions and continues to go to church with them. I cry just thinking of it. I cried all the way through your prayer as I spoke it and inserted Drus name. I miss him it’s not the same that we can’t talk about the Lord anymore, he’s distant never calls me and I feel like he doesn’t even love me. I know it’s not about me but it hurts. I want so much for him to serve the Lord this time from his own heart and him wanting to. Thankyou for listening
Thank you for sharing, Rose. I am joining you in prayer for Dru, asking the Lord to soften his heart and bring him back as He promised to do to the Israelites in Ezekiel 36:24-28. Praying comfort and strength for your mama heart as well. Do not lose hope! There are deep seeds planted in his heart from his childhood. Our God is faithful. Keep fighting for your son!
Kelly, thank you so much for these prayers! They are exactly what I needed just at the right time!
Would you please pray for Morgan and Zach and Taylor and Grey.They are exactly what I needed just at the right time!
God bless you
Thank you, Pat. I praise God for using them to encourage you! Lifting up Morgan & Zach and Taylor & Grey right now. Lord, hear our prayer!
Thank you for these heartfelt words, they offer such hope. Please pray for my prodigals Lance and Wesley. I believe that the prodigals are coming home.
Blessings to you!
Joining you in prayer for Lance and Wesley. Lord, we believe!
Please pray for my daughter C. She’s 35. She hadLost custody too off 4 of her children. She has in jail for non-payment of child support and Didn’t turn up for court. We have no idea How she can be release, As they have not told us.. She is also trans and now has a male name. Please pray that God will open her eyes to the truth and that she is humble enough to receive Truth, That her heart is healed by God from rejection and failure. and that she’s free from alcohol and substances not healthy for her… and Jesus name. May she see purpose in her life in direction again!
Praying with you for C, in Jesus’ mighty name!
Daniel (23), Bonnie (27), and Hannah (29) are uninterested in God, and captivated by the world. I raised them from the womb to know Jesus, but they have walked away. I am praying and loving them back to the Kingdom. All glory to God, Who can do anything, and Who loves my children more than I do!
my sister in law, Gloria, who is my brothers widow. These prayers are filled with such power. Thanking the Lord for how they will bring light and life to her path. And please pray for the spiritual protection of my niece and nephews.
Joining you in prayer for Gloria and her children!
Gabriel 19
Please pray for my daughters. Raised in the faith and were active until college. They have fallen into the deception of lgbt. The oldest wants nothing to do with faith and the youngest is just going through the motions. They surround themselves with unbelievers and sinners.
Praying for our daughter diagnosed with schizophrenia and thinking that God is telling her she is going to hell. She is in a women’s detox facility and will be kicked out soon. I believe in a GOOD GOOD GOD! That He will do more than we can ask or imagine.
Please pray for my sons, Jonathan and Richard. Please pray they Richard and his wife are restored in their marriage and that Jonathan turns away from pagan gods.
I have a 23 year old prodigal who is an addict. I fear for him, all the time. I am trying to stay out of Gods way and give Him this problem. It’s so hard not to worry and yet I know I shouldn’t spend wasted time worrying about something I have no control over. Yet, just like Paul said, I do the things I don’t want to do.
Thank you for the explanation of the Prodigals and the scriptures to pray. It is very helpful.
Blessings to you!!!
My daughters were raised in the faith. Once college came they both pulled away. One is completely negative and the other began a same sex relationship with her roommate. A wall has been put up between us and everyone walks on eggs shells. They are very close, thanks to God. Unfortunately my husband and I are on the other side of that wall. They both know we love them very much but are not accepting of anything lgbt. They know where we stand.
After reading through these comments, clearly I’m not alone with a broken heart of a prodigal daughter. She was raised in the church, even baptized at one point. About 3-4 years ago she left the church. It’s incredibly difficult to see her go down this path. Begging God to bring her back to Him. Please add my daughter to the prayer chain. My heart goes out to all the others that are experiencing this hurt.
Praying for your daughter, Patti. You are definitely not alone! But God hears us. They have not wandered outside His reach!
Neither of my sons are following the Lord. My youngest (33) is homeless, has mental health and addiction issues. He is interested in spiritual things, but is totally misguided in his beliefs.
So sorry, Hazel. That is hard. God sees them both! Praying along with you.