Today’s post, “Trusting God with Prodigals: How to Pray, Wait, and Find Peace,” is written by my friend, Lisa Pritchard, who has a heart for prodigals. I pray her words and suggestions refresh your heart.

Prodigal Son – Luke 15

The Prodigal in Scripture

Trusting God with prodigals isn’t easy—but He is faithful. When we hear the word “prodigal,” we think of the son in Luke 15:11-32. 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.

In humility, he turned away from this life. Instead of running away from his father, he ran toward him. And his father, filled with compassion, ran to meet him.

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’t required. Instead, the father welcomed him, lavished gifts on him, and threw an extravagant party.  

Three-Decade and Daily Prodigal

Like Luke’s prodigal, I wasted much of my young adult life living however I pleased instead of following God’s will. Over twenty years ago, I recognized that I was a three-decade prodigal. With the Holy Spirit’s help, I turned away from that way of life and made the needed changes—thankful to be a prodigal no longer.

But even now, I still battle prodigal tendencies—misusing time, chasing goals God didn’t set, or speaking words I shouldn’t. Daily, I turn back to Him. Daily, He extends grace, forgives me, and reminds me I am His daughter.

He doesn’t need my excuses—He already knows my weakness. Yet He lavishes me with His peace, and the angels rejoice whenever I repent.

In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. (Luke 15:10 NASB)

Trusting God: Wisdom from Two Book Studies

Prayers and Promises for Worried Parents

Recently, I co-led a Zoom study with an international prayer group using Robert J. Morgan’s Prayers and Promises for Worried Parents. One suggestion stood out: replacing “he” or “his” with 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’s hymn, “I am Thine O Lord,” as an example. The chorus begins with the following lines: “Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord…” Replace “me” with the name of your prodigal(s). Here is the link to make it easy for anyone who wants to try it: Draw Me Nearer

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’ve also created a playlist titled “Praise and Worship.” It’s the best medicine. I sing along frequently, especially when my heart hurts. Feel free to use it anytime. Praise and Worship Playlist

Win the War on Worry

Three years ago, I co-led a study on Louie Giglio’s book, Win the War on Worry. 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 submarine of worry and transform it into glorifying worship. This practice works like God’s fire from heaven that soaked up all the water on Elijah’s altar. The miracle proved to four hundred fifty pagan prophets and King Ahab that our God was (and is) the only true God (1 Kings 18).

Trusting God with Your Prodigal: A Prayer for Prodigals (From Psalm 119)

Following Mr. Morgan’s advice, I wrote a prayer for prodigals about trusting God, using verses from Psalm 119. I insert the names of the prodigals I’m praying for in the appropriate places. With my newfound conviction, I pray it over myself too. 

Dear Father, Let my prodigal(s):
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’ name, Amen.

Encouragement in Testimony

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.

Exodus 14:14 declares, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still” (Exodus 14:14 NIV). He is fighting for your loved ones, too. 

And 1 John 4:4 assures us, “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.“

Trusting God: Hope and Security

In the technology field, “https://” represents a secure connection for sensitive data, and “www.” 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:

Hope in His promises.
Thank Him in advance
Trust His timing
Pray with persistence
Sing to remind our hearts of His presence

 Then wait and watch as we read His Word, which is the source from which we gather the information we need for His world.

Your Turn

What about you? What practices, prayers, or reminders have helped you trust God with the prodigals in your life—or with your own prodigal heart? I’d 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.)

Trusting God with Prodigals: How to Pray, Wait, and Find Peace by @lisapritchard01 on @NancyLucenay, Beyond the Front Door Share on X