5 Ways to Pray for a Prodigal

I’ve talked to a lot of readers in the past few months who see themselves in In A Far-Off Land. Not as Mina, the prodigal daughter, but as her father — the one waiting for his loved one to return home to him–but more importantly, to Jesus.

What can we do when our loved ones stray far from God? Some days, it seems like hope is hard to find. But our merciful Father knows the pain of a parent watching a child make bad decisions, of seeing a friend take the wrong road, or a family member wander far from home. It is the story of human nature, a story repeated over and over in the Bible. It is why he sent his son Jesus–the shepherd–to find his lost sheep and bring them home.

What can we do while we wait for our loved ones to return to Jesus? Hope and pray is the simple answer, but we can do that in an intentional way.

Prayer: It goes without saying that we should be praying daily for our loved ones. Hourly, even. Let us pray for God’s will to be done in their lives. Even if that will means suffering that will eventually lead them back to Him. Here is a a beautiful prayer for parents to say for their children.

Fast: It seems hard, but it is a powerful way to pray, especially those who are no longer in our home or perhaps even in our lives. “Some devils can be cast out only by prayer and fasting.” (Mt. 17:21) Give up something one day a week. It can be coffee, sugar, your favorite music or tv program. It could be fasting from food for a certain amount of time. What we fast from doesn’t matter. What matters is that you deliberately offer up your fast for your loved one and pray for them. I like to set a timer for each hour of my fast to remind me to pray.

Work on your own holiness: we can’t ask others to do what we won’t do ourselves. Pray each day, read the scriptures, and go to your church, chapel, or Mass frequently. Live your own faith joyfully and generously. It is in this that we draw others to Jesus and remind them that “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10)

Stay connected: Perhaps your adult child or loved one has disappointed you or is living in a way you don’t approve. Those choices can lead to distance–both emotional and physical. Don’t let it. Continue to connect as often as you can. Gently and lovingly. If they are open to hear it, tell them you are praying for them. Make sure they know you love them still, no matter what. Text, call on the phone, send notes in the mail–even if they don’t respond, do not give up. Make it easier for them to reach out to you by keeping a loving relationship and an open door. “Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; it is not arrogant.” (1 Cor. 13:4)

Give good gifts: birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays are great opportunities to give your prodigal a gentle reminder of their faith. A beautiful Bible, a rosary, book, or religious artwork can remind of both your love and God’s love for them. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Phil. 4:8)

Most of all, never stop hoping in God’s love and his purpose in the lives of our loved ones. In other words. Trust in the Lord with all your heart! He loves your children, your spouse, and your friends even more than you do. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ( Jeremiah 29:11)

Are you praying for a prodigal? Let me join in your prayers. Comment below or send me a private message at stephanielandsem@comcast.net and I’ll pray with you. Do you know someone praying for a prodigal? (don’t we all?) Send this post to them so we can join our prayers with theirs.