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Bible Verses for Praying for a Prodigal Child
For parents with an empty chair at the table, or a phone that doesn't ring. These verses hold onto hope.
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14 verses to read slowly
“He arose and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and ran, fell on his neck, and kissed him.
Luke 15:20 (WEB)for this, my son, was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found.’ Then they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:24 (WEB)“Which of you men, if you had one hundred sheep and lost one of them, wouldn’t leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that was lost, until he found it?
Luke 15:4 (WEB)All your children will be taught by the LORD, and your children’s peace will be great.
Isaiah 54:13 (WEB)The LORD says: “Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,” says the LORD. “They will come again from the land of the enemy. There is hope for your latter end,” says the LORD. “Your children will come again to their own territory.
Jeremiah 31:16-17 (WEB)“I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong. I will feed them in justice.”’
Ezekiel 34:16 (WEB)The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but he is patient with us, not wishing that anyone should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 (WEB)Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up.
Galatians 6:9 (WEB)The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
Psalm 34:18 (WEB)It is because of the LORD’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his mercies don’t fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (WEB)casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 (WEB)being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6 (WEB)Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (WEB)For his anger is but for a moment. His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5 (WEB)
Few griefs are quieter than this one. Your child is alive, but far away, in distance, in faith, or in heart. You may wonder what you did wrong, and you may be tired of hoping.
In Jesus' story of the prodigal son, the father sees his son "while he was still far off." That means he was looking. He hadn't stopped watching the road. And when he saw him, he ran.
That's the heart of God toward your child, and it's bigger than yours. Ezekiel 34:16 says, "I will seek that which was lost." You aren't the only one searching.
Keep praying, and keep the door open. Galatians 6:9 says not to grow weary, "for we will reap in due season." Seasons can be long. But your tears are seen (Psalm 34:18), and the story isn't finished yet.