The Prodigal Child
Do you have a prodigal in your life?
Are you a prodigal child?
A prodigal child by definition is a child that rebels against his/her upbringing and shows extreme defiance for an extended time.
Andrea Merrill states in her book, Praying for the Prodigal, that more than 80% of children raised in church will leave the church after they turn 18. About half of those will return.
Jesus told a parable about the Prodigal son in Luke 15: 11-32
If you are a prodigal:
- What are you rebelling against?
- Who are you hurting most in the process? Is it yourself?
- Don’t be afraid to go home!
- Find a pastor or Christian counselor to speak with.
- Don’t forget that God Love YOU!
If you have a prodigal child:
- Keep loving them
- Pray without ceasing
- Establish boundaries
- Seek counseling
- Remember sometimes you have to get out of the way to allow God to work
- Don’t judge
- Listen when s/he is ready to talk
If you know someone with a prodigal:
- Don’t judge
- Listen
- Pray for them and their child
Recommended Reading:
Praying for the Prodigal by Andrea Merrill
Prodigals and Those Who Love Them by Ruth Graham Bell
Praying the Armor of God by Rick Steadman
Prayers for Prodigals: 90 Days of Prayer for Your Child by Dr. James Banks
Praying Prodigals Home by Quin Sherrer
Praying Your Prodigal Home by Richard A. Burr
Resources and Articles:
Loving Your Prodigal: A Focus on the Family Article
Loving the Prodigal Child Article
You will find posts about my life as a prodigal child here at Rebel to Redeemed: The Life of a Prodigal Child