A Prayer for a Prodigal Child

Father, the phone has been silent for so long I have started to flinch when it does ring. My child is out there somewhere, walking a road I would have begged them not to take, and I do not know how to reach them anymore.

I confess the anger underneath my worry, the replaying of every wrong word, the nights I have laid awake building a case against myself. Guilt and grief have braided together until I cannot tell them apart.

So I come to You, the Father who watches the road. You know the ache of a child who walks away. You know how to wait without growing bitter, how to keep the porch light burning.

Protect my child tonight from harm I cannot see. Soften whatever has hardened in them. Send someone, anyone, to speak truth they will actually hear, since they have stopped hearing it from me.

You told of a father who saw his son still far off and ran to him. Let that be my child's story. Let there be a day of running and embracing instead of accusing.

I lay down the outcome I have been trying to force. I cannot drag them home, but You can draw them. I will keep the light on and trust You with the road. Bring my child home, Lord, in Your own time. Amen.