Julie Souza Bradley Lilly: A Prayer for the Prodigal
Father God, it’s getting cold outside. I look out the window at the frosty rooftops of my neighbors, and my heart sinks to think of those without a roof over their head or hope in their heart. I think of those held prisoner in the clutches of addiction, those without food to eat and whose only socks are threadbare with holes.
Father we lift the homeless, the lost, the sick, the addicted and the vulnerable. We lift those who left rashly, wandered away or were taken. We lift those in rebellion, those who were abused or forgotten. Have mercy upon them, Lord! We pray for their safety. We pray for their provision.
Father we lift the homeless, the lost, the sick, the addicted, and the vulnerable.
~Julie Lilly
Deliver them from evil! Send an angel of mercy! Still the tongue of the deceiver! Convince them of Your love! Lift the fog and break the chains that keep them in darkness. Arise Spirit of repentance! Set their hearts and minds toward home!
Good Shepherd leave the ninety-nine, and go out into the wilderness in search of this one who has gone astray (Matt 18:12). Tune your ear to hear their cries in the darkness. When they are cold and weak, lift them up, dear Shepherd. Wrap them in Your mantle and carry them on your shoulders.
For the Son of Man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? If a man have a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
Matthew 18:11-14 KJV
Father, for those who grieve for one they love who is lost, comfort them in Your presence. Refresh their hope to continue to believe in a God of miracles. We ask that they will see their heart’s desire fulfilled, and that the empty chair at the table will be filled, once again. Give them Your heart, Father, to joyfully embrace the prodigal who returns home.
And Father, we lift up ourselves. Within every one of us there remains a bit of prodigal—some bit of as of yet unyielded flesh that remains outside of the warmth of surrender. We long to hear your voice and find Your soothing comfort. We humble ourselves before You. Anoint our heads with oil. Shine Your light of revelation upon our dark places. We come, recognizing our need, and we ask for healing and forgiveness. May there remain in us no place for the enemy to gain footing, but that every part of us would be safe within the fold.
Share a testimony of a Prodigal who returned to faith in Jesus Christ.
Lord, we all like sheep have gone astray (see Isaiah 53:6). Shepherd, come again and gently lead us home. In Jesus’ Name ❤️
Copyright 2020: A Prayer for the Prodigal: Author Julie Souza Bradley Lilly: All Rights Reserved
Meet Our Contributor
JULIE SOUZA BRADLEY LILLY
Julie Souza Bradley Lilly is the writer of Prayers of a Ragamuffin Warrior, a self-professed chief cooks and bottle washers at Gift of Thorns on Facebook.
When asked about who she is, Julie is quick to tell you that she is a worshipper, a servant, blessed wife, step-mom of four adult children, caregiver, retired chiropractor, writer and most-importantly, a forgiven daughter of God.
With thirty-plus years in healthcare, Julie is passionate about seeing the broken come to receive healing and find wholeness in right-relationship with the Creator. Through her own multiple injuries, PTSD, a traumatic brain injury and other health concerns, she has found the generosity of God to be true to His Word, in turning all things together for the good, for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
For those entrusted with a thorn in the flesh, it is one of Julie’s greatest joys to see the discovery of the treasure the Father hides tucked in among the thorns. Julie shares that God is good and His mercies endure forever!
It is Julie’s prayer that the body of believers will honor the Lord and encourage one another toward wholeness, spiritual growth and mountain-moving faith. Julie is grateful for the privilege of being a servant writer at VineWords.
For more encouragement visit Julie’s websites. At Prayers of a Ragamuffin Warrior, Julie shares encouraging articles with prayers. At Gift of Thorns, Julie shares powerful and life-changing input from writers who are passionate about pursuing God.
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Julie Lilly Prayers of a Ragamuffin Warrior
Love this, and Lord May we be more like you . 💕
Julie thank you for your compassion. 🙂