Prodigals

Prodigals

When I think of God’s wayward children

Reading the Word

“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant”’ (Luke 15:17–19).

Talking to God

Heavenly Father,

I love the story about the lost son because it reveals your heart. The world is filled with lost children, and you stand waiting for them to realize their condition and return home. Then you run to them, welcome them with open arms, and celebrate. I praise you, Father, for your seeking and saving love. Right now I pray for those prodigals—some whom I know. Others I may know, but they are hiding their desires and are planning to leave, enticed by the temptations. Many are on their way to the distant country; some are there and reveling in their sin; and others are trapped and hopeless. Father, wherever they are in this story, I pray that they will “come to their senses.” Like the boy in Jesus’ parable, that may take a pig pen and desperate hunger; hopefully they won’t get to that point. But whatever it takes please use it to draw them to you. And upon their return, keep me from being like the older brother, leading me to join you in the party.

Adapted from 365 Pocket Morning Prayers by Dave Veerman (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2016), used by permission.