Praying for Your Prodigal:

Don't Let the Enemy Have the Last Word

Lily Taylor | 8.3.22

The following post is inspired by the events detailed in our true story, Unconfined: Lessons from Prison and the Journey of Being Set Free, by Lily Taylor. We hope it will help you find joy and purpose while you are waiting on restoration.

Hezekiah’s doorstep ready to destroy his life. I thought this felt a lot like my own story.  Since rededicating my life to the Lord at age 29, I believe I have tried to live a God-honoring life – yet some years into that journey, the enemy launched a full-scale assault on my family. Perhaps you can also relate?

Revelation 12:10 states that our enemy, Satan, brings accusations about believers before God “day and night.” Despite our best efforts, each of us falls short of the glory of God every day (Romans 3:23). But if you have a prodigal child, you may experience fear and despair that your child is giving the enemy a lot of ammunition with which to make accusations day and night before God.

Let’s consider how Hezekiah responded to a similar terrifying situation. King Sennacherib of Assyria began a campaign against Judah, and after taking many people captive, he stood outside the walls of Hezekiah’s city spouting blasphemy and psychological warfare. King Sennacherib knew that if he could get the people of Judah to take their eyes off of God and focus on to the size of his army – the battle would be won. 

But, Hezekiah refused to let the enemy’s words defeat him or the people that he had sworn to protect. Instead of despairing over the ground the enemy had already taken, Hezekiah took the written words of the enemy into the temple and laid them on the altar and prayed. His prayer can be summarized like this: “Lord, you have just heard what the enemy said. It is obvious that he is very powerful, but You are God of all creation. I ask you to save us, so that everyone will see and know that You are much stronger than he is!”

Prayer for Wayward Children:

Conquering the Enemy

Because we too have an enemy shouting accusations about our family, we should follow Hezekiah’s example. Go to the altar of God, and pray:  “Lord, I have an enemy. I can imagine him in heaven now telling you about all the poor choices and bad acts of my child, myself and possibly even my ancestors. But I come before You to shout louder about Your mercy and goodness! I acknowledge You as my Lord and Savior. I dedicated my child to You from an early age. My son/daughter was raised to know and love you. Now, a giant, loud enemy of [sin, addiction, anxiety] is trying to defeat my child and impacting our whole family. But, I put my faith in YOU! I ask You to give us victory for your name’s sake, Lord. So that others will see, and know that You are the reason my family is restored. Do not let the enemy’s words stand…instead, let Your promises stand forever!”

In Hezekiah’s lowest moment, he was just as concerned for the reputation of God, as he was for his own life and happiness. Use this as your motivation today. God answered Hezekiah’s prayer so that the enemy’s words would be revealed as the lie that they were… and He can do it again! 

If you found inspiration from this article, check out Praying for Your Prodigal Child is Having More Impact Than You Can See.

Blessings,
Lily