What do you think?
Rate this book
Praying for Your Prodigal
A book for parents and family members of those who are far from God, Praying for Your Prodigal draws on insights from AHA to help readers pray—and hope—for their prodigal. In this hope-filled, honest book Kyle Idleman offers stories about prodigals specifically for parents and grandparents of prodigals, as well as a series of prayers for readers to work through as they offer their prodigals to God.Kyle Idleman is the Teaching Pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the fourth largest church in America. Author of the award winning and bestselling book Not a Fan, he regularly speaks at conferences and events around the world. He and his wife, DesiRae, have four children.
43 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2014
183 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Kyle Idleman
78 books625 followersKyle Idleman is the teaching pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the fifth largest church in America. The bestselling author of the award-winning book Not a Fan and AHA is a frequent speaker at conferences and events around the world. Kyle and his wife, DesiRae, have four children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 31, 2017
This is really a booklet, very short chapters. While the material falls more in the category of reminder, they are good reminders. The prayers are helpful models when words are hard to form.
I especially liked the idea that coming home is a metaphor for resurrection. I will arise and go unto my father.
I've been pondering the duties of the parent: looking for a glimpse of the prodigal returning; fattening the calf and preparing the party. It seems counterintuitive to a sorrow-burdened father. It requires much faith to plan for a celebration without a clue of the timing.
Some quotes:
You do not stand with arms crossed but with arms open wide.
What my parents didn't say:
Turn things around.
Make things right.
Get some help.
Figure it out.
We love you.
We forgive you.
What they said: Just come home.
I especially liked the idea that coming home is a metaphor for resurrection. I will arise and go unto my father.
I've been pondering the duties of the parent: looking for a glimpse of the prodigal returning; fattening the calf and preparing the party. It seems counterintuitive to a sorrow-burdened father. It requires much faith to plan for a celebration without a clue of the timing.
Some quotes:
You do not stand with arms crossed but with arms open wide.
What my parents didn't say:
Turn things around.
Make things right.
Get some help.
Figure it out.
We love you.
We forgive you.
What they said: Just come home.
August 6, 2014
I received this book courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review.
Narrator Thoughts ~ He had a rich and deep voice that brought this book to life. It almost felt like the author himself was reading it. The book was read with such tenderness and passion.
Book Thoughts ~ This short, yet wonderful book was so helpful to me. Even though I'm not waiting for a prodigal I found this book extremely encouraging. The letters from parents of real prodigals at the beginning of each chapter gave a touch of realism and hope. Kyles thoughts and musings inspired me. His honest and gentle style is encouraging. At the end of each chapter there is a prayer, each one is beautiful and honest.
That's one of the things I liked most about this book. Kyle was honest about pain, the hope that we have, what we can do, and letting God take care of our prodical.
I would highly recommend this book.
You can also buy this book on Amazon and through Christian Book Distributors.
Narrator Thoughts ~ He had a rich and deep voice that brought this book to life. It almost felt like the author himself was reading it. The book was read with such tenderness and passion.
Book Thoughts ~ This short, yet wonderful book was so helpful to me. Even though I'm not waiting for a prodigal I found this book extremely encouraging. The letters from parents of real prodigals at the beginning of each chapter gave a touch of realism and hope. Kyles thoughts and musings inspired me. His honest and gentle style is encouraging. At the end of each chapter there is a prayer, each one is beautiful and honest.
That's one of the things I liked most about this book. Kyle was honest about pain, the hope that we have, what we can do, and letting God take care of our prodical.
I would highly recommend this book.
You can also buy this book on Amazon and through Christian Book Distributors.
November 13, 2021
I nice little book that would be good for anyone to read who is currently praying for their prodigal.
Read
September 1, 2025(Hoopla 1 hr)
March 7, 2015
I’m a member of the Family Christian Bloggers and they provided me with a free copy of Praying for Your Prodigal for this review.
Praying for Your Prodigal is a pocket sized book written to assist parents and loved ones in praying for their prodigal child or family member to return back to Christ. Kyle Idleman uses the term “AHA” to explain that there needs to be an AHA moment in our wayward child or family member in order to bring about radically change in their lives. They must have an awakening, be honest, and take action. The book went through the prodigal son passage found in Luke 15. Each chapter contained a personally heart written letter written from parents to their lost child or a story, a prayer to be prayed over the lives of your loved ones, and a page where readers can take notes and list prayers.
I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who has a prodigal child or family member and they desperately want to see their loved on turn their life around. This book will assist in helping them pray for their loved ones to turn back to serving Christ. In reading through the letters enclosed in this book, you can definably see the heartache and regret most of these parents were experiencing over how their beloved child could go down such a dangerous path. I particularly loved how he connected the different letters to verses found in Luke 15. The book flowed flawlessly together and I believe this will help parents and family members to pray for their wayward child or family member. This book would make a wonderful gift to wayward children/family members and in particularly prisoners and it would be a massive blessing to them. I also like how the author and publisher made it a pocket size book where the book is easy to carry. Like me, you most likely know someone who is running from God, and what better gift to give them and their parents then this book! It has the potential to reach and touch their hearts. If you’re looking for a book to help you in praying for your prodigal, then look no farther, this is the book for you!
Praying for Your Prodigal is a pocket sized book written to assist parents and loved ones in praying for their prodigal child or family member to return back to Christ. Kyle Idleman uses the term “AHA” to explain that there needs to be an AHA moment in our wayward child or family member in order to bring about radically change in their lives. They must have an awakening, be honest, and take action. The book went through the prodigal son passage found in Luke 15. Each chapter contained a personally heart written letter written from parents to their lost child or a story, a prayer to be prayed over the lives of your loved ones, and a page where readers can take notes and list prayers.
I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who has a prodigal child or family member and they desperately want to see their loved on turn their life around. This book will assist in helping them pray for their loved ones to turn back to serving Christ. In reading through the letters enclosed in this book, you can definably see the heartache and regret most of these parents were experiencing over how their beloved child could go down such a dangerous path. I particularly loved how he connected the different letters to verses found in Luke 15. The book flowed flawlessly together and I believe this will help parents and family members to pray for their wayward child or family member. This book would make a wonderful gift to wayward children/family members and in particularly prisoners and it would be a massive blessing to them. I also like how the author and publisher made it a pocket size book where the book is easy to carry. Like me, you most likely know someone who is running from God, and what better gift to give them and their parents then this book! It has the potential to reach and touch their hearts. If you’re looking for a book to help you in praying for your prodigal, then look no farther, this is the book for you!
October 16, 2015
This is a Christian non-fiction
In each chapter, Mr. Idleman shares letters from people who have lost someone to a non-spiritual life. Next is a portion of the bible verses about the Prodigal Son. Then he speaks on the meaning of that passage from different perspectives - biblical and modern day times. Finally he offers up a prayer for the prodigal.
I enjoyed reading this because I could relate to many of the stories on some level. I have learned a few more things about the bible verses regarding the Prodigal Son and now know that while societies may change, the basic feelings parents and children have for one another is timeless.
In each chapter, Mr. Idleman shares letters from people who have lost someone to a non-spiritual life. Next is a portion of the bible verses about the Prodigal Son. Then he speaks on the meaning of that passage from different perspectives - biblical and modern day times. Finally he offers up a prayer for the prodigal.
I enjoyed reading this because I could relate to many of the stories on some level. I have learned a few more things about the bible verses regarding the Prodigal Son and now know that while societies may change, the basic feelings parents and children have for one another is timeless.
April 3, 2016
Words of encouragement and prayer
Idleman walks you through the Bible story of the prodigal son, citing other scriptures as well. Real life stories are shared and each section ends with a beautiful, scripture-based prayer for loved ones who are in "a far country." Inspiring and helpful.
Idleman walks you through the Bible story of the prodigal son, citing other scriptures as well. Real life stories are shared and each section ends with a beautiful, scripture-based prayer for loved ones who are in "a far country." Inspiring and helpful.
February 11, 2016
Filled with hope
Great stories that are real and encourage us to keep praying and loving and trusting God for our children. It is also a reminder that parents can grow closer to God in the process and in fact need to do so.
Great stories that are real and encourage us to keep praying and loving and trusting God for our children. It is also a reminder that parents can grow closer to God in the process and in fact need to do so.
July 19, 2016
This is a very well written book. It helped me to see how I can better pray for my prodigal and my friends prodigals. It fact me hope to not stop praying! It may take a while, but God will answer!
Great prayers in it to guide you as you pray.
Great prayers in it to guide you as you pray.
September 19, 2014
Thank you for writing this encouraging book :)
April 29, 2015
Great book!
This is a great book for parents praying for their children's return to them and God. This book gave me hope.
This is a great book for parents praying for their children's return to them and God. This book gave me hope.
August 3, 2015
A comfort and help.
For those of us going through such a time as this we receive comfort from others stories and strength in the prayers.
For those of us going through such a time as this we receive comfort from others stories and strength in the prayers.
September 12, 2015
Very encouraging
September 23, 2015
Great book! I highly recommend.
September 15, 2015
Loved Loved Loved this book. I read it quickly in two days. It could be used as a devotional for a week and a half.
Read it!
Read it!
January 1, 2016
Dahyana's Thoughts
The book is full of godly reminders to us that have been the prodigal and now are facing one of our own. God bless the prodigals. Thank you.
The book is full of godly reminders to us that have been the prodigal and now are facing one of our own. God bless the prodigals. Thank you.
October 20, 2016
RATING 3.25
Nice supplement to AHA! More personal look at the parable of the prodigal son with personal accounts from folks going through some difficult situations.
Nice supplement to AHA! More personal look at the parable of the prodigal son with personal accounts from folks going through some difficult situations.
February 19, 2019
For a short book it had lots of great content.
Lord willing I don't have a prodigal of my own...but every extended family, in my opinion at least, has at least one who would be characterized as such...if not several.
I find it easier to absorb information when the speaker uses phrasing similar to my own...there is less thinking/decoding with it...this author did an excellent job...
The Prodigal Son story isn't about the boy, but the father - who, like our Heavenly Father, awaits the return of His children [as we all err] from a loving standpoint. How you view God was another point that I liked...that of a forever fault finding disapproving authority or a loving parent wanting the best for you...
Quick and worth the time...I plan to listen periodically.
Lord willing I don't have a prodigal of my own...but every extended family, in my opinion at least, has at least one who would be characterized as such...if not several.
I find it easier to absorb information when the speaker uses phrasing similar to my own...there is less thinking/decoding with it...this author did an excellent job...
The Prodigal Son story isn't about the boy, but the father - who, like our Heavenly Father, awaits the return of His children [as we all err] from a loving standpoint. How you view God was another point that I liked...that of a forever fault finding disapproving authority or a loving parent wanting the best for you...
Quick and worth the time...I plan to listen periodically.
September 21, 2025
A heartfelt, practical little book that I picked up even though I don't have prodigal children myself. I read it with my prodigal and nominal Christian friends in mind, and found that the principles still apply just as well.
The writing is very easy, weaving in lots of stories that make the message relatable. At times it leans more on the emotional side than the intellectual, but that makes it an encouraging read for weary hearts. I appreciated the practical focus and the way it reminded me that prayer is not about control but about trust and persistence in bringing loved ones before God.
Overall, it’s not a heavy theological book, but it is a helpful and hope filled one. A great resource for anyone carrying the weight of loved ones who have wandered from faith.
The writing is very easy, weaving in lots of stories that make the message relatable. At times it leans more on the emotional side than the intellectual, but that makes it an encouraging read for weary hearts. I appreciated the practical focus and the way it reminded me that prayer is not about control but about trust and persistence in bringing loved ones before God.
Overall, it’s not a heavy theological book, but it is a helpful and hope filled one. A great resource for anyone carrying the weight of loved ones who have wandered from faith.
December 27, 2019
A tender, loving and encouraging book for parents/family/friends of prodigals, as the author incitefully guides the reader through Jesus' parable of the prodigal son scripturally, with added testimonies and beautiful, heartfelt prayers for the prodigals we love and yearn for. This short book is well worth the time spent to read again and again as it provides peace and patience through Godly perspective.
Read
April 8, 2020I didn’t know what to expect but I am so grateful to GOD that HE led me to begin to read. I was so captivated by the heart, the openest and by how much of the story relates to my life and my prodigal, that I couldn’t put it his book down!
I strongly encourage those of you that have children or loved ones that have turned away from GOD to read this book. This book truly encouraged and blessed me. Thank you❤️
I strongly encourage those of you that have children or loved ones that have turned away from GOD to read this book. This book truly encouraged and blessed me. Thank you❤️
February 1, 2019
Helpful ways to pray
The author expounds on the story of the Prodigal Son with ideas and thoughts that will help us understand and know how to pray for our lost family members. The book is very short and easy to read but is well worth reading. It will encourage you to continue to pray and not lose hope.
The author expounds on the story of the Prodigal Son with ideas and thoughts that will help us understand and know how to pray for our lost family members. The book is very short and easy to read but is well worth reading. It will encourage you to continue to pray and not lose hope.
May 31, 2023
I am so grateful for this book. There are not a lot of books on prodigals, and yet parents are desperate for encouragement. This book gave me hopeful, true stories to hold onto, as well as prayers to pray, because I often just don't have the words. This book encouraged me like no other. Thank you, Kyle!
October 20, 2018
Encouraging
I found this read to be very encouraging. I loved the prayers. It gave me a new outlook on how to pray for my prodigal. I had been praying the same prayer for years. Now I’m encouraged to pray a little different. Thank you for writing this book.
I found this read to be very encouraging. I loved the prayers. It gave me a new outlook on how to pray for my prodigal. I had been praying the same prayer for years. Now I’m encouraged to pray a little different. Thank you for writing this book.
January 19, 2019
Very very anointed and inspiring book. It is short but right to the point. Thank you for writing this so people know there is hope for their children and Jesus, who loves them more than we do, is waiting with open arms to bring them back to Him!
April 21, 2019
Hope
When grief overwhelms me with my prodigal son the prayers in this book give me words to pray to my heavenly Father when I have none left to pray. This book reveals that only God can heal a prodigal 's heart and give you hope.
When grief overwhelms me with my prodigal son the prayers in this book give me words to pray to my heavenly Father when I have none left to pray. This book reveals that only God can heal a prodigal 's heart and give you hope.
May 22, 2019
Have a prodigal child? This book looks at several stories and situations of prodigal. It always shows a prayer for each situation and encouragement that God knows where the prodigal is. He has a plan and will carry it out
August 8, 2019
Flat out excellent read! The book provides hope and help to those who have a prodigal in their life as well as providing words of hope to pass on to others who may be experiencing this difficult circumstance. It is a quick, easy read, and definitely a book I will refer back to.
February 1, 2021
Reassuring
Kyle helped me to see there are many prodigals but one Father who waits to love on all of them. Besides telling someone you love them, the other powerful thing to say, is welcome home dear one. Both statements are the Father’s heart for all of us.
Kyle helped me to see there are many prodigals but one Father who waits to love on all of them. Besides telling someone you love them, the other powerful thing to say, is welcome home dear one. Both statements are the Father’s heart for all of us.
January 24, 2023
Praying for Your Prodigal
Such an enlightening read. This truly blessed me. Every person who has a prodigal in Distant Country this is a must read! I got new revelation from the familiar story of the Prodigal Son that transformed my thinking.
Such an enlightening read. This truly blessed me. Every person who has a prodigal in Distant Country this is a must read! I got new revelation from the familiar story of the Prodigal Son that transformed my thinking.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews