Praying for our prodigals

Since the launch of Bringing Home the Prodigals last year, thousands have been touched by this powerful message and prodigals have begun returning home.

Many people have been encouraged by Rob Parsons’ simple, yet challenging reflection on the parable of the prodigal son in his latest book, Bringing Home the Prodigals. In fact, since it was published, more than 40,000 copies have been sold - bringing hope to the families and friends of prodigals around the country. Rob believes: “It’s no real surprise that one of the most challenging stories Jesus ever told still resonates so powerfully with us today.”

Since the publication of the book, Bringing Home the Prodigals has developed into a major national tour which, by the time it arrives in Birmingham in April, will have been attended by over 15,000 people. The most poignant moment of the event for many has been the opportunity to lay the name of their prodigal at the foot of the cross. This simple act has also been mirrored on a specially created website for prodigals at www.prodigals.org.uk where over 1,300 names have been posted for prayer.

Returning home
However, the real impact of the initiative is only just becoming evident, as the stories of prodigals returning home are beginning to arrive at Care for the Family. “It is so humbling to hear accounts of prodigals starting their journey home and the wonderful receptions they are receiving,” says Director, Jonathan Booth. “Some are already home, while others have contacted their parents and families to let them know that they’re okay. There is no doubt that these are real answers to prayer.”

During the event, Dianne Parsons speaks about the importance of praying for our children: “As a mum, I have come to realise that prayer is the only thing left to me. My children are both grown up and are now out of my control. I am involved in a prayer triplet and we pray mainly for our children. It’s a long haul, but we believe it is the most exciting thing we can do for our children.”

“Thousands of prodigals have been prayed for over the last year,” says Jonathan. “While some have returned, there are still many who have to find the courage to look homeward.”

Across the country, churches have been adopting the Bringing Home the Prodigals theme for Lent groups, ‘cell’ groups and prayer meetings. One church pastor told us that he had seen the prayer life in his church “snowball in the most marvellous way”, as a result of taking on the call to pray for prodigals.

Prayers around the country
To support this focus on prayer, Care for the Family has produced a short video, suitable for use in home groups. Praying Home the Prodigals will give you the opportunity to discuss and pray over the content of Rob’s message and how it applies to you and those you love. It’s already being used by many small groups and churches around the country.

And more Bringing Home the Prodigals events have been planned for the autumn, continuing to visit towns and cities across the UK - which will be held in venues capable of seating up to three thousand people. “So many events have been sold out that it’s been difficult to have to turn people away,” says Jonathan. “This autumn, we want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to attend - adding to the thousands of people who are praying for the return of their prodigals.”

The elder brother
As everyone knows, the story of the prodigal son was not just intended for the wayward child, but the elder brother who never left home. Unfortunately, it is the elder brother who sometimes jeopardises the prodigal’s homecoming, which is why Rob believes that, as churches, we need to be ready for when the prodigals return. “I believe it is vital that we have a renewed vision of prodigal-friendly churches. If we want to see prodigals return, we have to ensure our churches are houses of the Father - filled with his love.”

As part of the prodigals initiative, Rob has met with over 2,000 church leaders, sharing his vision for prodigals and hearing their deep desire for prodigals to return home. With Bringing Home the Prodigals now entering its second year, please do pray for the ongoing impact of this initiative, as it continues to bring reconciliation and hope to many families.

What you can do

• Send us your story - we’d love to be able to celebrate with you.
• Pray together - order the Praying Home the Prodigals video.
• Pray for prodigals - visit www.prodigals.org.uk for further details.
• Encourage the family of a prodigal - order them a copy of the Bringing Home the Prodigals book.
• Prepare for the new tour - invite friends and family you know.
• Start thinking about how your church can be more prodigal-friendly.

Taken from the Care for the Family magazine, Spring 2004