There’s a parable many of us know well — the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. A young man demands his inheritance, leaves home, squanders everything, and finally comes to his senses in a faraway land. But what often moves me most isn’t the son’s journey — it’s the father’s posture.
He waited.
He watched.
And when his son finally returned, he ran to meet him.
As parents of prodigal children, we live in that waiting place. It’s a space that feels heavy with silence, prayer, and questions. We wonder where they are, what they’re thinking, if they’re safe. We ask God, Why did they walk away? When will they come home?
The Ache of the Unknown
The hardest part may be not knowing how long the season will last. It could be months. It could be years. You may have done all you could to raise them in faith — taken them to church, read Scripture, prayed at bedtime. And yet, like the younger son in the parable, your child chose a different road.
But remember: the father’s love never changed. He didn’t chase his son down the road demanding obedience. He didn’t shut the door out of bitterness. He kept his heart open — and his eyes on the horizon.
Love Without Conditions
Being there for your prodigal child doesn’t mean condoning every choice. But it does mean loving without conditions. The kind of love that leaves the porch light on, that answers the phone at 2 a.m., that keeps a place at the table set, just in case.
God’s love is like that. Ours should be too. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Not after we got it together. Not after we came back. While we were still far off.
The Power of Prayer
Never underestimate the power of your prayers. You may not be able to change your child’s heart — but the Holy Spirit can. Your intercession is not in vain. Every whispered prayer, every tear cried in secret, every time you say their name to God — He hears.
Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Be Ready to Run
When your prodigal child turns home — whether physically, spiritually, or emotionally — be ready. Not with a lecture. Not with a list of conditions. Be ready with open arms and a heart full of grace.
That’s how the Father welcomed us.
That’s how we are called to welcome them.
Hold On to Hope
If you’re in the middle of the waiting — don’t give up. God is not done writing your child’s story. The prodigal son didn’t stay in the pigpen. He remembered home. And your child may, too.
So, keep praying. Keep loving. Keep watching the horizon.
God is faithful — and sometimes, the greatest miracle isn’t just the child who returns… but the parent who never stopped loving them through it all.
