Prayers for Prodigals, Updated and Expanded: 90 Days of Prayer for Your Child

by James Banks

One of the most devastating experiences for a Christian parent is when a child walks away from faith in Jesus. James Banks has had that experience not once but twice, and he has also experienced the joy of answered prayer, of a prodigal restored. In this updated and expanded Prayers for Prodigals, you will be directed to the source of peace in painful circumstances. Each week you will find encouragement from a father who understands your heartbreak. And you will find daily scriptural prayers and prayer tips to help you come to the heavenly Father with gut-wrenching honesty and hope-filled persistence. As you face heartbreak and hopelessness, this book points to the ultimate source of hope—God. And encourages you and your family to trust Him.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2022

About the author

Dr. James Banks is the author of Prayers for Prodigals, Prayers for Your Children, Praying the Prayers of the Bible, Praying Together, and Praying with Jesus. Through books, blog posts, and magazine articles, he regularly encourages people to pray. Dr. Banks has been a pastor and church planter for more than twenty-five years and lives in Durham, North Carolina with his wife, Cari.

Reviews

[Amy Hagberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Prayer combined with a believing mother’s or father’s love is powerful. When placed in Jesus’s hands, it is invincible. Obstacles may come when you least expect them, but perseverance in prayer will lead to a breakthrough.”—James Banks, Prayers for Prodigals.

Prayers for Prodigals offers a heartfelt guide for parents grappling with a child’s departure from their faith. The premise resonates deeply with Christian parents facing this painful challenge, aiming to fortify their perseverance through structured, scripture-based support. Pastor James Banks draws from his personal experiences with prodigal children, aiming to bolster readers’ faith and trust in God through this trying time.

The book’s structure comprises scriptural prayers, words of encouragement, and practical prayer tips, which aid parents in navigating their emotional and spiritual turmoil. The added meditations are insightful, emphasizing the power of persistent prayer and divine intervention.

However, while the book starts promisingly with engaging prayer prompts and thoughtful meditations, it becomes repetitive. The rephrasing of Scripture sometimes simplifies complex passages, which might not satisfy all readers seeking depth in theological study or scriptural interpretation. The content, though rich in spirit, feels stretched thin for a 90-day devotional.

Overall, Prayers for Prodigals is a solid attempt at addressing a need within the Christian community. My personal journey through the book brought a sense of solidarity, knowing I’m not alone in this struggle. Yet, I desired more variety and depth as the days passed. 4 stars.

** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book. The opinions are my own.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a tender precious gift.

I picked up this book.. a gift and began to pray for our son, then (don’t ya know it)Our Father brought other prodigals into my life.. and parents to share the book with.
I finished it an will begin again tomorrow with page one. The list continues to grow but oooh the gift of hope and faith.
Thank you. We walk by faith and not by sight.
A precious gift.
For the kingdom.

[Windi · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who struggles with putting words and scriptures together to express the prayers in their hearts for their children ….. this is for you. There is so much encouragement in here through the prayers of this father for his prodigal children.

[Barb Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend

[Jill Stirling · Rating 1 out of 5]

Heart rending in parts , But not exactly what I thought it would be.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful thoughtful prayers. I looked forward to praying with this book often! Each chapter is short, meaningful, and specific. Praying for specific requests along with scripture as very meaningful.

[Mara Lilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an inspiration to me. I highly recommend it.
Not only to prodigal parents but also to anyone who would like to understand a little bit of what a prodigal family goes through.

1) It helped me to find the words to pray for my daughter when I was frustrated and sad. Moments that I couldn’t focus and I didn’t know what to say to the Lord.

2) It was good to see that other parents felt exactly the same way I did and blessed me in their darkest moments praying for their children, maybe unaware that this prayer one day would help other parents.

3) It proved me praying is worth it and can change us even if the situation doesn’t change.

4) It taught me that even when we don’t see or feel it, God is working because He loves my children more than I do.

5) It gave me more than hope, it gave me FAITH.

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every person who has unsaved children or grandchildren should read this book! James Banks speaks from experience and has written prayers for 90 days that will speak from your heart and also encourage you. Many times you will be praying scripture over your prodigal. I highly recommend Prayers for Prodigals and have gifted copies to others. I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.