A Prayer for a Prodigal Child
For a son or daughter who has wandered — a parent's prayer for the road home.
Few aches run deeper than watching a child walk away from the faith, or from you. This prayer is for that long, hoping wait — pray it with their name in it, and do not give up.
The prayer
Father, you know my child by name, and you love them more than I do — hard as that is to believe on the frightened nights. I bring them back to you again today.
You are the Father who ran to meet the son while he was yet a great way off. Watch that far road for mine. Let every path away from you lead, in the end, back home.
Guard them where I cannot. Send people who tell them the truth kindly, and let even the hard consequences do their gentle work. Keep my own heart soft — full of open arms, empty of I-told-you-so.
I will keep the porch light on and keep praying, however long it takes. You have brought home further wanderers than mine. Bring them home. Amen.
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.
When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him — the parable is a promise for praying parents. Keep watching the road.
Keep this prayer with you
Save it as a card or phone wallpaper, print it, or share it with someone who needs these words today.
