Quote:
Pray for "all men." We usually pray more for things than we do for men. Our prayers should be thrown across their pathway as they rush in their downward course to a lost eternity.”
― E.M. Bounds
From Church Pew to Prodigal Path, and Back Again.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him...” – Luke 15:20 (NIV).
We all know someone who used to be deeply involved in the life of the church. Maybe it was you. Week after week, they were present, serving, worshiping and praying. But over time, something shifted. Sometimes it’s a slow fade, unanswered prayers, disappointment, disillusionment, or hurt. Other times, it’s a sharp break caused by pain, offense, or sin.
The story of the prodigal son reminds us that God isn’t waiting to shame those who have walked away, He’s waiting to embrace them.
In Luke 15, the father didn't scold or question. He runs to meet his son, even while he’s still far off. That is the heart of our God, compassionate, merciful, and eager to restore.
It's very important as Christians to lift up those who’ve wandered from the faith. Some might be quietly slipping away. Others may have left loudly, declaring they’re done with church or even with God. Yet none are beyond the reach of His love.
Let’s be a praying church that also has open arms, just like the Father.
PRAYER POINTS
· Pray that the Holy Spirit will stir their hearts up and remind them of God’s perfect love. John 14:26
· Pray that the Lord will deliver them from shame, guilt, or pride that keeps them from returning home to God. Psalm 34:5
· Pray that they will encounter the love of God through compassionate believers, who will love without judgment and reflect Christ well. John 13:35
· Pray that the Church will be a place of restoration, not rejection. Galatians 6:1
Pray for complete healing and renewed identity in Christ for them. 2 Corinthians 5:17