Why Prayer is the Answer for Prodigals
He waits and watches from the porch of a small cottage. I don’t know why I don’t picture Him in front of a grand majestic palace. I just don’t.
He smiles and runs toward me with arms open wide as I approach.
This prodigal God greeting His prodigal daughter. And I’m home.
The word prodigal means:
- wastefully or recklessly extravagant
- giving or yielding profusely; lavish
- lavishly abundant; profuse
Me the wasteful and reckless one, extravagantly spending His blessings on things that can’t last.
He the Lavish Giver forgiving and loving, watching and waiting wanting me to come home.
Luke 15 – Prodigal
“So he returned home to his Father. And while he was still a long way off, his Father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, He ran to His son, embraced him, and kissed him. Luke 15:20
Quotes from The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller
“The word ‘prodigal’ does not mean ‘wayward’ but, according to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, ‘recklessly spendthrift.’ It means to spend until you have nothing left. This term is therefore as appropriate for describing the father in the story as his younger son. The father’s welcome to the repentant son was literally reckless, because he refused to ‘reckon’ or count his sin against him or demand repayment. This response offended the elder son and most likely the local community.”
“The father is saying, …You are not going to earn your way back into the family, I am going to simply take you back. I will cover your nakedness, poverty, and rags with the robes of my office and honor.”
Prayer and The Prodigal
Repentance is the prayer of the prodigal child.
Lavish forgiveness is the response of the Father.
Your Prodigal Father invites you to come and sit with Him. He wants to hear about your disasters. Your messes and frustrations. He wants to talk about your hopes and dreams. He wants your repentant heart to know He celebrates as He forgives you. He wants to assure you . . . He loves you.
This prodigal daughter returns home more easily as she imagines the Father’s anticipation. She is humbled by His love. Overwhelmed by His patience. His willingness to forgive again and again. She’s given up foolish pride; well, most of the time. Because she knows she has nothing to offer. Nothing besides love and gratitude.
Quotes and Verses
One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. Luke 18:1
“I am the prodigal son every time I search for unconditional love where it cannot be found.” ~Henri Nouwen
But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9
“There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God.” ~Brother Lawrence
“Our heavenly Father understands our disappointment, suffering, pain, fear, and doubt. He is always there to encourage our hearts and help us understand that He’s sufficient for all of our needs. When I accepted this as an absolute truth in my life, I found that my worrying stopped.” ~Charles Stanley
The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in green pastures. He leads me to calm water.
He gives me new strength.
He leads me on paths that are right for the good of His name.
Even if I walk through a very dark valley,
I will not be afraid, because You are with me.
Your rod and Your Shepherd’s staff comfort me.
You prepare a meal for me in front of my enemies.
You pour oil of blessing on my head; You fill my cup to overflowing.
Surely Your goodness and love will be with me all my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23
Whether you see Him waiting on a cottage porch, on the throne, in a grassy meadow, or beside quiet waters . . . You and I are prodigals. He is our Prodigal God. The Father who loves you and wants to spend time with you.
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Oh, Deb, this was a blessing today…and I did not know that. Although I have been a prodigal, and love many…especially one. BUT eye opening and fascinating perspective for me to look further into! Thanks, Hugs!
Beautiful post. It hit my heart in how almost daily as a busy mom of five I can almost become that “‘recklessly spendthrift.’ It means to spend until you have nothing left.” I need to remember to return “home” to His Word for the strength and forgiveness I need. Thanks for your beautiful words!
This is such a beautiful post. I have never thought of myself as a prodigal before. This scripture has a whole new meaning for me. Thank you.