March 8, 2016

Praying for Prodigals—Prayer Weapons

Praying a prodigal home to the Father is sometimes a years-long struggle, but God provides weapons and strategies for prayer. Years ago, while encouraging Quin Sherrer in her prayer battle, the late Paul Billheimer spoke of his mother’s “power prayers” based on 2 Cor. 10:3-5. He wrote, “My mother used these weapons on me. I was as hostile to God as any sinner. I was fighting with all my might. But the time came when it was easier to lay down my arms of rebellion than to continue my resistance. The pressure exerted upon me by the Holy Spirit became so powerful that I voluntarily sought relief by yielding my rebellious will. The wooing of divine love was so strong that of my own free will I fell into the arms of redeeming grace. I became a willing ‘captive.’” This former prodigal went on to author numerous books that continue to strengthen prayer warriors today. (Ruthanne Garlock)1

“…though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; NKJV)

Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:

  • Make sure you’ve not allowed unforgiveness, judgment or anger toward anyone to poison your spirit and nullify your prayers.
  • Use the God’s Word as a spiritual weapon to declare scriptures over your prodigal’s life and confound the enemy’s plans.
  • Ask God to lead you to a prayer partner or prayer group who will pray in agreement with you–or form such a group yourself.

A prayer you can pray:

Thank you, Lord, that Your Word provides comfort and guidance, plus powerful verses I can pray for my prodigal. I choose to forgive him/her for disappointing me–help me to love him/her with Your love and to declare Your promises over his/her future. Amen.

Today’s decree:

The Word of God is able to break down every stronghold my prodigal loved one is captured by. They will be set free!

1 As quoted in Praying Prodigals Home by Quin Sherrer and Ruthanne Garlock, Regal Books, 2000, p. 71.

Ruthanne Garlock has co-authored 19 books with Quin Sherrer on prayer and related topics, plus two missions biographies. With her late husband, John, she has traveled to 35 nations teaching leadership training for churches and seminars. You can reach her at www.garlockministries.org.