I have been thinking about this for the last several weeks. We all know people who have walked or wandered from the God we love. As parents or siblings, we know the pain that it brings with it. Why does it bug the devil so much?
A few weeks ago the thought raced through my mind to gather people who are praying for their very own prodigal. I kept ignoring the nudge, but it persisted. So, I posted my idea not knowing what to think. Surprisingly, a group of people joined me. However, before the meeting, I was overwhelmed by doubt and I felt like my head was in a vice grip. I asked a friend to please pray for me and it lifted. I have had this happen before and it has always been when I was engaged in something the devil would rather I left alone. Honestly, for me, it serves as a confirmation that praying as a group for prodigals is a great idea.
One of the reasons I think that praying for prodigals is important is simply because it can take the wind out of the sails of those who love them. It can be discouraging and a real “faith drain” especially if you have prayed for a long time. When our faith runs out that is when the faith of others can make a big difference. Sometimes we have all the faith in the world for other people’s prayer requests but ours which is so precious to us, wanes.
It encourages me deeply today Isaiah 43:5-6 “ Do not be afraid, for I am with you, I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!” and to the south, ‘ Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth- everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
The beauty of praying for prodigals is that you can be confident that you are praying within the will of God
If you want to join me as we pray for prodigals, let me know. You can email me at donnaleadyck@gmail.com. We are meeting every second Tuesday night. 8:00 pm EST. You are welcome to join. It is all on Zoom.