The Prodigal in Scripture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Trusting God with prodigals<\/a> isn\u2019t easy\u2014but He is faithful. When we hear the word \u201cprodigal,\u201d we think of the son in Luke 15:11-32<\/a><\/em>. He demanded his share of the inheritance and squandered it on wild living. He soon became destitute and hired himself out to feed the pigs, who were eating better than he was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In humility, he turned away from this life. Instead of running away<\/em>\u00a0from\u00a0his father, he ran\u00a0toward<\/em>\u00a0him. And his father, filled with compassion, ran to meet him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The son had prepared a speech of apology, admitting his unworthiness as a son, and requesting to be his father’s servant in exchange for shelter and food. But that speech wasn\u2019t required. Instead, the father welcomed him, lavished gifts on him, and threw an extravagant party.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like Luke\u2019s prodigal, I wasted much of my young adult life living however I pleased instead of following God\u2019s will. Over twenty years ago, I recognized that I was a three-decade prodigal. With the Holy Spirit\u2019s help, I turned away from that way of life and made the needed changes\u2014thankful to be a prodigal no longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But even now, I still battle prodigal tendencies\u2014misusing time, chasing goals God didn\u2019t set, or speaking words I shouldn\u2019t. Daily, I turn back to Him. Daily, He extends grace, forgives me, and reminds me I am His daughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He doesn\u2019t need my excuses\u2014He already knows my weakness. Yet He lavishes me with His peace, and the angels rejoice whenever I repent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.<\/em> (Luke 15:10<\/a> NASB<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recently, I co-led a Zoom study with an international prayer group using Robert J. Morgan\u2019s\u00a0Prayers and Promises for Worried Parents<\/a><\/em>. One suggestion stood out: replacing\u00a0“he”\u00a0or\u00a0“his”\u00a0with the name of the prodigal(s) you are praying for. I learned that when we grieve and can do nothing else, we can sing, which increases endorphins that soothe our hearts. Mr. Morgan used Fanny Crosby\u2019s hymn,\u00a0\u201c<\/em>I am Thine O Lord,\u201d<\/em>\u00a0as an example. The chorus begins with the following lines:\u00a0“Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord\u2026”\u00a0Replace\u00a0“me”\u00a0with the name of your prodigal(s). Here is the link to make it easy for anyone who wants to try it:\u00a0Draw Me Nearer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In an article I wrote about a recent trip to Charleston, I remarked on the effects of music. Now I apply this quote to singing as well: “Music (singing) soothes the soul and absorbs our pain. Music (singing) communicates joy. Refreshes. Shares. No matter what your language, background, or status.” I\u2019ve also created a playlist titled \u201cPraise and Worship.\u201d It\u2019s the best medicine. I sing along frequently, especially when my heart hurts. Feel free to use it anytime. Praise and Worship Playlist<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Three years ago, I co-led a study on Louie Giglio\u2019s book,\u00a0Win the War on Worry<\/em><\/a>. That season in my life was heavy with burdens, and I needed this study as much as anyone. The lesson that stuck with me most was learning to release the torpedo of gratitude against my\u00a0submarine of worry<\/a>\u00a0and transform it into glorifying worship. This practice works like God\u2019s fire from heaven that soaked up all the water on Elijah\u2019s altar. The miracle proved to four hundred fifty pagan prophets and King Ahab that our God was (and is) the only true God\u00a0(1 Kings 18<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following Mr. Morgan\u2019s advice, I wrote a prayer for prodigals about trusting God, using verses from Psalm 119<\/em>. I insert the names of the prodigals I\u2019m praying for in the appropriate places. With my newfound conviction, I pray it over myself too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dear Father, Let my prodigal(s):<\/strong> Recently, a former atheist emailed me her salvation story. Her testimony refreshed my hope and reminded me that God hears and moves in His perfect timing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exodus 14:14<\/a> <\/em>declares,\u00a0“The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still” (Exodus 14:14 NIV).<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>He is fighting for your loved ones, too.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n And 1 John 4:4<\/a> <\/em>assures us,\u00a0“Greater is He who is in you than\u00a0he who is in the world.<\/em>“<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the technology field, \u201chttps:\/\/\u201d represents a secure connection for sensitive data, and \u201cwww.\u201d is the subdomain for the World Wide Web, where we gather information. I see a parallel here. While we wait for God to work, we can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hope<\/strong> in His promises. Then wait<\/strong> and watch<\/strong> as we read His Word, which is the source from which we gather the information we need for His world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What about you? What practices, prayers, or reminders have helped you trust God with the prodigals in your life\u2014or with your own prodigal heart? I\u2019d love for you to share in the Comments box at the bottom of the page. (If you don’t see the Comments box, click Read More and scroll down.)<\/p>\n\n\nTrusting God with Prodigals: How to Pray, Wait, and Find Peace by @lisapritchard01 on @NancyLucenay, Beyond the Front Door <\/a><\/span>Share on X<\/a><\/span>\n\n\nThree-Decade and Daily Prodigal<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Trusting God: Wisdom from Two Book Studies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prayers and Promises for Worried Parents<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Win the War on Worry<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Trusting God with Your Prodigal: A Prayer for Prodigals (From Psalm 119<\/em>)<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Walk in the law of the Lord. (1)
Seek You with all their hearts. (2)
Treasure Your Word and not sin against You. (11)
Open their eyes. (18)
Let Your testimonies be their delight and their counsel. (24)
Trust in Your Word and Your Truth. (42, 43)
Learn discernment. (66)
Be revived according to Your lovingkindness. (88)
Be kept away from evildoers. (115)
Uphold them and keep them safe. (117)
Let no iniquity have dominion over them. (133)
Let them have great peace and love Your law so they do not stumble. (165)
Let their souls live to praise You. (175)
In Jesus\u2019 name, Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEncouragement in Testimony<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Trusting God<\/strong>: Hope and Security<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Thank<\/strong> Him in advance
Trust<\/strong> His timing
Pray<\/strong> with persistence
Sing<\/strong> to remind our hearts of His presence<\/p>\n\n\n\nYour Turn<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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