Adapted from: photo credit: it's downhill from here via photopin (license)
As a Family Christian Blogger I was provided this book to review. These thoughts are 100% my own opinion. This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure policy HERE. Thank you for visiting Life is Sweeter by Design.
“Praying for Your Prodigal” by Kyle Idleman is a wonderful little pocket-book! At only 94 pages that are about the size of a postcard…this is a quick read. What is not quick about it though are the deep thoughts and prayers that will stay with you long after you read it!
When I had the opportunity to review “Praying for Your Prodigal” I jumped at the chance. For many people looking in at my life….they may think that this book would not be very relevant to me. I guess I see things differently….I have 2 teenagers…one of which only has a little over a year left in high school. I know how he has been raised…but I also know the strong pull of the world that he is about to go out into.
I have seen many families struggle with “prodigal” children. I have personally had friends who became “prodigals” and although I was just a friend…I worried and prayed for them. I believe that a prodigal is anyone you love who turns from the Lord….it can be a child, parent, sibling, cousin, friend, etc.
When my older children were younger I can honestly say that I was too judgmental of other Christian parents who had a child go astray. I thought to myself…what did that parent do wrong? I put too much blame on the parent. Luckily for me I have wised up a LOT in this area! As my kids have gotten older and started to make some of their own decisions….and I see them make some poor decisions…I realize that it isn't always the parents who are to blame!
“Praying for Your Prodigal” shows you the hearts of some parents who are desperate for their prodigal child to return to the Lord and to return to them. It helped me relate to the pain these parents were experiencing and the guilt that it was somehow their fault!
This book has some wonderful insight into the story of the Prodigal Son from the Bible. There are areas at the end of each chapter for thoughts and prayers.
I have heard sermons over the years about the Prodigal Son and how that son really didn't deserve the homecoming he received from his father. Kyle Idleman relates that to the grace we are given by God and how undeserving we are!
[tweetthis]God is a loving and merciful Father who gives us what we don't deserve! #FCBlogger #Prodigal[/tweetthis]
Do you know someone who is dealing with this type of situation in their life? This book would be a wonderful gift! Kyle speaks to these loved ones who are hurting and desperate for their prodigal's return. His words are a soothing balm and remind these loved ones that God is at work all around us in unseen ways!
[tweetthis]God is at work all around us in unseen ways! #PrayingForYourProdigal #FCBlogger[/tweetthis]
I would highly recommend “Praying for Your Prodigal” to any Christian. Whether you are currently struggling with a prodigal of your own or not…this is an area that we need to do a better job of supporting each other. Knowing a little more about this story and how parents in this situation feel can help you connect and pray for others much more effectively!
[tweetthis]When you see nothing but darkness, may God open your eyes to a glimpse of His ability! #Prodigal[/tweetthis]
If you are interested in reading “Praying for Your Prodigal” you can get it HERE. You can also get it in your local Family Christian location.
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Such wise words! Thank you for sharing I will carry these with me!
will have to see about getting this book! Thank you for the review. Visiting from #FCBlogger
Reading this reminds me of this passage of scripture:
Colossians 1:21-23 ‘Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of[g] your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.’
Where there is grace, there is hope.
So true Kim!! That is a great scripture!
As a parent we are always worried about how we raise our children and if we did a good enough job when its time for them to leave home. I know this is always my thought when I think about my girls and when they will leave us. Unfortunately we can’t always make their decisions for them but we can always pray for them when they go out on their own.
Very true Pamela!
So true, but I think it is easy to feel responsible somehow!
I cannot imagine the pain a parent experiences with a prodigal child. Thanks of bringing this resource to my attention.
What a wonderful post, so honest! My kids are young so I’ve certainly not experienced this yet, but we definitely see it in the world around us! Such a useful book for those parents!
Looks like a great book – thanks for the awesome review!!
This is such a wonderful post, I look forward to reading the book! I know I definitely was a prodigal and gave my mom such heartache! Now that I am a believer, and with a son of my own I can see how scary it is when our kids choose to go astray! I pray that my son will have a heart for God all the days of his life, but if he does stray that God may give me the strength to pray pray pray, and love him through it!
Thanks for sharing Tara! What a great story…I am glad you came back to the Lord! You will have the strength to get through anything with Him!
My family are all Latter Day Saints and yet my brother decided when he turned sixteen that it isn’t something he believes in. I struggle with my parents trying to show them that everyone needs to make their own choices and he will understand better through his own exploration. This is a great post and I feel from it!
Thanks Lauryn…it is hard for a lot of families!
Where is that photo taken? It is beautiful!