How to Pray for the Loved One Who Has Walked Away from God
Mtbethelchurch April 2, 2025

There is no burden heavier than watching a loved one walk away from God. Jesus captures this heartache in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), a story of rebellion, redemption, and a father’s relentless love. 

The Father’s Example: Trusting God in the Waiting 

In Jesus’ day, asking for an inheritance early was equivalent to wishing a parent dead. Imagine the father’s pain at this rejection! Yet, he didn’t chase after his son or shield him from consequences—he entrusted him to God. 

When the son hit rock bottom, he returned home, expecting judgment but receiving grace. His father, who had been watching and waiting, ran to him with open arms. Though not explicitly stated, it’s likely that this waiting was marked by years of earnest prayer. 

If you’re praying for a prodigal, let this parable shape your response. Here are seven powerful ways to pray: 

7 Ways to Pray for Prodigals 
  1. Pray for God’s Heart – Surrender your loved one to the One who loves them even more than you do. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s help in trusting His plan. 
  2. Pray for a Pigsty Moment – The son didn’t consider returning home until he reached rock bottom. Instead of praying for protection from bad choices, pray for a moment that leads them to desperation so they will call on God for help. 
  3. Pray Against Spiritual Opposition – The enemy fights for their soul but God is victorious. Pray for strongholds to be broken and for God’s light to shine in their darkness. 
  4. Pray Scripture Over Their Life – Claim God’s promises for them. Psalm 18:16-19 is a great place to start. 
  5. Pray for Your Own Heart – The older brother’s resentment in the parable warns us against bitterness. Ask God for peace, endurance, and compassion. 
  6. Pray with Stubborn Hope – Our hope in Christ is unshakable. Keep believing that God is working, even when you can’t see it. 
  7. Pray for Complete Restoration – When the prodigal returned, he was fully welcomed back. Pray that your loved one’s faith becomes stronger than before. 

God is still in the business of bringing dead hearts to life. Keep praying, keep hoping, and trust that He is faithful. 

“Let your waiting be fighting, and your fighting be on your knees.”

Jody Ray 

This post is inspired by message four of our “40 Days of Prayer” sermon series entitled, “How to Pray for Prodigals” by Dr. Jody Ray.