Praying For Your Prodigal: A Book Review

**Book received for review. All thoughts are my own.

Parenting is hard.

We do everything we can to give our children the best lives possible, to raise them to be responsible, capable adults and build a lasting relationship with them. But try as we might, it doesn't always work out as we plan.

Now, my kids are only seven and eighteen months, so this is something we've never experienced. Oh sure, there's that moment when you tell your child they can't have something they really want and they're quick to tell you you're the worst...which lasts all of five minutes. But when they're grown and the rifts are bigger? I can only imagine the heartbreak.

Perhaps you're not so lucky, and are experiencing this now. Your child has turned away from you or from God. Or maybe you're the child who has walked away. Perhaps you're like me and have not had to experience this yet. I pray that this remains true. But chances are even if you've never lived it yourself, you've seen it among those you know. This tale of rifts in families is not a new one...just look at the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32)

If you are among those living the heartbreak, Praying for Your Prodigal is a must read. Take a look:

A book for parents and family members of those who are far from God, Praying for Your Prodigal draws on insights from AHA to help readers pray--"and hope"--for their prodigal. In this hope-filled, honest book Kyle Idleman offers stories about prodigals specifically for parents and grandparents of prodigals, as well as a series of prayers for readers to work through as they offer their prodigals to God.

Like I said, with my young kids this isn't an experience I've lived but as I read through this short pocket book, I found myself feeling deeply for the parents whose letters filled its pages. There is no greater love than the love a mother has for a child...and the idea of seeing that child struggle and being unable to bring them home to you? Devastating. But this book offers hope. It looks deeper into the parable of the prodigal son and offers prayers to pray for your loved ones. It offers pages to record your own thoughts and prayers. More than anything it offers hope that you are not alone in this all too common struggle. Not only do you see letters from those who have been there, but you read the reminders that God is with you both throughout.

This is a pocket book, which means two things. First of all, it's the perfect size to carry along in your purse when you're out and about and need a little encouragement...or to give to others who might need that encouragement themselves. Second, its a quick and easy read. For this review, I read it straight through and found I was able to finish it up within an hour. Of course, if you're actually needing this encouragement and hope right now, I suggest reading it through and contemplating on each story and prayer a little longer, but the point is, it's not a time consuming book to work through. It's beautifully written and filled with hope.

If you have a loved one far from God, or know someone who could use the encouragement, you can purchase Praying for Your Prodigal at Family Christian for just $4.99! Also be sure to check out Kyle Idleman's AHA for even more inspiration and hope.

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