When a believer has been led astray by sin and is no longer living in a way that is consistent with their Christian faith, our heart breaks. Their situation appears by most to be hopeless…until we read the story of the prodigal.
“And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!”
Luke 15:14-17
This story reminds us that nothing is hopeless to those who know Christ, and the only thing more powerful than the prayers of His children is the God who is listening to them.
Don’t abandon your prayers for a loved one who’s been led astray by sin.
Pray for them.
Plead with the Holy Spirit to direct you as you intercede for the prodigal in your life, and wait for God to show up, and show off.
Lord,
My heart is broken for the believer who has turned their back on You. I long to see them turn from their sin and be restored to a right relationship with You. I pray that You would give them seeing eyes and hearing ears, that they would see the destruction that their rebellion and backsliding has brought into their life, and the heartbreak it has caused You and those who love You. Draw them to you, Lord, and give them a longing to return to You in true repentance. Make the consequences of sin bitter in their life, if that’s what it will take to turn them from their folly. Let there be no peace, no rest, and no success until they turn from their sin. I pray that all of their plans and goals would fail until they repent and return to You. Use the power of your Holy Spirit to convict, convince and persuade them to come running back to Your loving embrace. Thank you that Your mercy is fresh and new every morning, and that Your love and compassion never fail.
In Jesus Name
How are you praying for your loved ones? How has God answered those prayers?
I would love to hear from you in the comments section!