Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.”—Zechariah 1:3
For those of us who have prodigals in our lives, especially parents, it’s not uncommon to grapple with a sense of guilt and self-blame. Questions may swirl in our minds: Where did we go wrong? What could we have done differently? Are we bad parents (siblings, grandparents, friends, etc.)?
The weight of our prodigals’ choices feels heavy on our hearts. But here’s a perspective shift we need to embrace: having a prodigal doesn’t automatically make you a bad parent, grandparent, brother, sister, spouse, or friend. It doesn’t mean you failed as a guiding influence in their lives.
In fact, consider this: if having prodigals is a measure of bad parenting, then God must also be considered a bad Father, for He has many prodigals.
It’s essential to recognize that, despite our influence and love, a prodigal’s choices are ultimately their own. They have the free will to make decisions, even if those decisions lead them away from the path of faith. It’s not solely a reflection of your parenting or your efforts in whatever relationship you have with your prodigal.
What does this mean for us, then?
It means acknowledging that their journey back to the Lord is a personal one. Repentance and turning back to God are decisions only they can make. As much as we may desire to somehow make them come back, it’s not within our power to force them onto the right path.
So, instead of dwelling on guilt and regret, let’s redirect our energy toward something more powerful: prayer.
Prayer is our bridge to God’s grace and mercy. It’s our way of actively participating in the spiritual journey of our prodigals. Through prayer, we can intercede on their behalf, asking God to touch their hearts, open their eyes, and draw them back into His loving embrace. On days when your heart breaks for the prodigal in your life, know that you are not alone. God understands the pain of having prodigals, and He walks beside you in this season.
Trust in His sovereignty, and may our prayers pave the way for the prodigals we love to find their way back home.
Talk To God Today:
Heavenly Father, as we bring our prodigals before You today, we lay down the weight of guilt and regret. Help us shift our focus from self-blame to prayer. We entrust our loved ones to Your grace and mercy. Touch their hearts, open their eyes, and draw them back into Your loving embrace. Thank You that we are not alone in our concern for the prodigals in our lives and that You care so deeply for them. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Share a Prayer Request at the Prayer Center
Get the Entire 7-Day Devotional, Praying for Prodigals