Dear Reader,

I have watched many dear souls wander far from the faith once held most precious—lost for a time in distant fields of doubt and weariness. Yet I have also seen the quiet power of prayer reach across every distance and draw them home again, into the loving, merciful arms of Jesus. This poem is offered as a celebration for every prodigal God brings back home—each one found, each one restored, each one welcomed with joy.

—the poet

The Parable of the Prodigal

“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”

—Luke 15:20

“For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.”

—Luke 15:24

Repentance and Returning

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”

—Isaiah 55:7

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”

—Acts 3:19

The Power of Prayer

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

—James 5:16

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”

—Matthew 7:7

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.”

—1 John 5:14

The Father’s Mercy and Love

“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.”

—Psalm 103:8

“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.”

—Psalm 103:13

“It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

—Lamentations 3:22–23

From far-off fields of husks and swine,

Where hunger gnawed and hopes declined,

The soul arose and vowed to rise,

And seek the Father’s merciful eyes.

With steps of shame yet feet of faith,

The journey led from ruin’s wraith;

And lo, the Father, watching long,

Ran forth to meet with joyful song.

No scolding word, no stern rebuke,

But robes of white, a ring, a look

Of purest love that melts the heart,

And welcomes home the one apart.

Then music filled the festive hall,

The lost restored, the dead recalled;

Let angels sing and saints rejoice—

The prodigal returns by choice.

In Christ the feast is ever set

For all who turn in true regret,

Who, broken, seek the Savior’s face

And find in grace their resting place.

Rejoice! The wanderer is found;

Grace claims the lost, and mercy’s sound

Rings through the courts of heaven above,

Enfolding all in endless love.

Hallelujah for the prayer that rose

And sought the lost through every woe;

Hallelujah that love has won

And drawn the wanderer safely home.

Hallelujah! Let praises ring

For grace that answers every plea;

Hallelujah! The power of prayer

Has brought the soul to Jesus’ care.

**To God be the glory always and only.