Save a Prodigal son like me.

 Here is a heartfelt prayer and a collection of scriptures celebrating the Father's love for the prodigal who returns home.

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The Prodigal Returns

I wandered far from home, my Lord,

Chased shadows in a distant land.

I squandered all I had received,

And now with empty heart I stand.

I thought that freedom meant my way,

But found myself in chains instead.

I spent my days in want and waste,

And hunger gnawed within my soul instead.

But in the silence of the swine,

I came to my senses in the dark.

I remembered my Father's house,

Where even servants have bread to eat.

So I arise and make my way,

Not worthy to be called a son.

But hoping for a servant's place,

And mercy when my race is run.

But while I'm still so far away,

My Father sees me on the road.

He runs to me with open arms,

And lifts this prodigal's heavy load.

A robe, a ring, a fatted calf—

No words of judgment, only grace.

He welcomes me with tears of joy,

And brings me to His warm embrace.

Save a prodigal like me, O Lord.

I've wasted years and wandered far.

But I am coming home to You—

My Father, my redeemer, my morning star.

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Scripture for the Prodigal

The Prodigal Son:

"There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living." (Luke 15:11-13)

He Came to His Senses:

"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.'" (Luke 15:17-19)

While He Was Still Far Off:

"So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." (Luke 15:20)

I Have Sinned:

"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'" (Luke 15:21)

Bring the Best Robe:

"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate." (Luke 15:22-24)

Return to Me:

"Return to Me, for I have redeemed you." (Isaiah 44:22)

I Will Heal Their Waywardness:

"I will heal their waywardness and love them freely." (Hosea 14:4)

Come Now, Let Us Reason Together:

"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." (Isaiah 1:18)

I Will Set Out and Go Back:

"I will set out and go back to my father." (Luke 15:18)

The Lord Is Compassionate:

"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love." (Psalm 103:8)

He Does Not Treat Us as Our Sins Deserve:

"He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:10-12)

I Will Restore You:

"I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 30:17)

He Will Rejoice Over You with Singing:

"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

You Are Forgiven:

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

Come to Me:

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

There Is Rejoicing in Heaven:

"I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10)

The Lost Sheep:

"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home." (Luke 15:4-6)

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A Prayer of the Prodigal

Father,

I have wandered far.

I took what You gave me

and spent it on things that could not satisfy.

I chased freedom,

but found only chains.

I looked for life,

but found emptiness.

But now I come to my senses.

I remember Your house—

the kindness, the provision, the love.

Even Your servants are better off

than I am now.

So I arise and come to You.

I am not worthy to be called Your child.

My sins are many,

my years of wandering long.

But while I am still far off,

I see You running toward me.

You are not waiting to scold,

but to embrace.

You are not withholding mercy,

but lavishing grace.

Save a prodigal like me.

Welcome me home.

Put Your robe upon my shoulders,

Your ring upon my finger,

and let me feast at Your table once again.

I am Yours,

and I am home.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.