Prayers for Backsliders

For someone you love who has drifted from God.

He arose, and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. Luke 15:20

Lord, You love them more than I do. You know where they are, and You haven’t given up on them. I miss who they were with You, and I’m asking You to bring them home. Soften their heart. Remind them of what You’ve done. Put the right people in their path, and give me patience and love, not pressure. I trust You with their story. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For those who have been hurt, and have wandered.

I will heal their waywardness. I will love them freely; for my anger is turned away from him. Hosea 14:4

Father, You heal what we turn away from. I’m praying for those who have wandered. Heal what has hurt them, and what has hardened them. Love them freely, as You promised. Let them feel Your kindness more than their guilt. Draw them back, not by force, but by Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For a believer you care about who has stepped away.

God, I’m praying for a believer I care about who has stepped away. They know You. Don’t let them be comfortable far from You. Let the memory of Your goodness pull them back. Where they were hurt by Your people, heal it. Where they are ashamed, remind them You haven’t given up. And keep my heart from judging them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If it’s you who has drifted, come back to Him now.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation. Uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:12

Lord, I’ve drifted. I didn’t plan to, and now I’m far from where I want to be. I’m sorry. I don’t want to stay here. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and give me a willing spirit. Show me the first step back, and give me the courage to take it. Thank You that You’re waiting. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For a family member who has wandered, and a family that is still praying.

Brothers, if any among you wanders from the truth and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20

Father, I’m praying for my family member who has wandered from You. Turn them back, and use whoever You choose to do it. Give me the right words, and the wisdom to stay quiet when words won’t help. Keep the door open, and keep my love steady. I trust You to finish what You started in them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Before the day starts, give them to Him again.

Lord, as the day begins, I’m thinking of someone who has drifted from You. I give them to You again. Be near to them today. Let something small remind them of Your love. And keep my heart soft toward them. In Jesus’ name, amen.