Faith 417

Praying for a prodigal child: hope for parents who wait

When a son or daughter walks away from the faith or from home, parents carry a particular kind of ache. In Jesus’ parable, “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20, ESV). Faith 417’s seven-day journey, Hope for the Prodigal Child, is for parents and loved ones waiting, praying, and loving from a distance. It covers persistent prayer, releasing control, guarding your own heart, loving without enabling, and staying ready for a homecoming without presuming God’s timing. Each day is about 5–8 minutes.

The seven days

• Day 1, God loves them more (Luke 15:20)
• Day 2, Keep praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
• Day 3, Release control, keep love (Proverbs 3:5–6)
• Day 4, Guard your own heart (Proverbs 4:23)
• Day 5, Love without enabling (Luke 15:17–18)
• Day 6, Pray, don’t presume the hour (Romans 10:1)
• Day 7, Keep the porch light on (Luke 15:22–24)

If your child is in danger or addiction, a counselor who works with families can help you find wise next steps.

Open this journey on Faith 417 · Home · All themes

Keep going

• Waiting on God devotional: Waiting on God
• Christian devotion on forgiveness: The Freedom of Forgiveness
• Anxiety: peace when anxiety speaks loud
• Marriage: hope when marriage feels hard

Questions: [email protected]

Scripture quotations are from the ESV^® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version^®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.