A Prayer For The Prodigal

A PRAYER FOR THE PRODIGAL

Father, it’s getting cold outside.  I look out the window at the frosty rooftops of my neighbors, and my heart sinks to think of those without a roof over their head or hope in their heart.  I think of those held prisoner in the clutches of addiction, those without food to eat and whose only socks are threadbare with holes.

Father we lift the homeless, the lost, the sick, the addicted and the vulnerable.  We lift those who left rashly, wandered away or were taken.  We lift those in rebellion, those who were abused or forgotten.  Have mercy upon them, Lord!  We pray for their safety.  We pray for their provision.

Deliver them from evil!  Send an angel of mercy! Still the tongue of the deceiver!  Convince them of Your love! Lift the fog and break the chains that keep them in darkness.  Arise Spirit of repentance!  Set their hearts and minds toward home!

Good Shepherd leave the 99, and go out into the wilderness in search of this one who has gone astray (Matt 18:12).  Tune your ear to hear their cries in the darkness.  When they are cold and weak, lift them up, dear Shepherd.  Wrap them in Your mantle and carry them on your shoulders.

Father, for those who grieve for one they love who is lost, comfort them in Your presence.  Refresh their hope to continue to believe in a God of miracles.  We ask that they will see their heart’s desire fulfilled, and that the empty chair at the table will be filled, once again.  Give them Your heart, Father, to joyfully embrace the prodigal who returns home.

And Father, we lift up ourselves.  Within every one of us there remains a bit of prodigal—some bit of as of yet unyielded flesh that remains outside of the warmth of surrender.  We long to hear your voice and find Your soothing comfort.  We humble ourselves before You. Anoint our heads with oil. Shine Your light of revelation upon our dark places.  We come, recognizing our need, and we ask for healing and forgiveness.  May there remain in us no place for the enemy to gain footing, but that every part of us would be safe within the fold.

Lord, we all like sheep have gone astray (Is 53:6).  Shepherd, come again and gently lead us home.  In Jesus’ Name ❤️

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An extra blessing to encourage your heart.  Turn on the sound, click below and bathe in this beautiful truth. https://youtu.be/rKrDPTO58sE

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