“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. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” (Luke 15:20-24)

Dear Prodigal,

I’ve been thinking about you. That’s actually an understatement. The truth is my heart is longing for you. I remember the precious times we had together worshipping the Lord, and just enjoying each other’s company.

I want to apologize for being distant. Our lives gravitated in different directions, and I didn’t know how to stay connected in a meaningful way.

I’d love to sit down, and have heart talks again. You’re probably afraid I would bombard you with scriptures, and warnings to get right with God. Even though that is needful, I’ve matured a bit through the years. I’ve learned the value of relationship. That’s what I miss the most. Our relationship.

I want you to know I’ve never stopped loving you, and praying for you. I’ve called your name before the throne of God countless times. I realize I have failed you, but He never has. Perhaps you were hurt by people in the church. It may not be the last time. We’re just people, and we can be a mess sometimes. I’m asking you to forgive us.

I can’t really be sure what your state of mind is, although I’d love to know. Maybe you’re happy with your choices, and are enjoying living your own life separate from church life, and the people of God. I truly hope not.

Maybe you’re concerned you’d have to give up, or change too much to come back. I’m not exactly sure what all that might be, but remember the first time you came to Him, how He opened His arms, and took you just the way you were? It’ll be the same this time. As for whatever needs changing, we’ll leave that for you and Him to work out. We’re not expecting you to look or act a certain way. We just want you.

Is it that you think you’ve gone too far, or done too much that God won’t forgive you? That’s not the God I know. Lying, stealing, drugs, alcohol, sexual sins, murder? People in the Bible have done it all, and been forgiven…Most of us have, as well. Or is it the “unpardonable sin” you’re afraid you’ve committed? Trust me…if you’re feeling sorrowful, and even remotely thinking of asking God to forgive you, that is His Spirit drawing you to repentance. He will absolutely honor that. He’s so merciful, and faithful.

Maybe you’ve just drifted further and further away over time, and don’t know how to make your way back. The enemy wants you to believe it’s harder than it is. It’s just one decision. One turning around. One step in the right direction, followed by another, and another. One step.

Do you fill fulfilled using your talents for the world? I wonder. You were given unique gifts by the Holy Ghost for the purpose of building up His Kingdom. However you’re choosing to use them, I know you’re being a blessing, and success. I want you to know how valuable you are to the family of God, though. You have talents, and giftings that are unique to you. Other people can try to fill your place, but we do it with a measure of sorrow, always imagining what it would be like if you were fulfilling your calling.

I worry for you. Sometimes my heart is so heavily burdened, the only thing I can do to find peace is to bring you before His throne, yet again, knowing He loves you even more than I do. I have to remind myself He’s drawing you by His Spirit even if it’s not evident to me.

The last thing I want you to know is that we’re all waiting for you. Not with judgement, or bitterness, or resentment, but with great anticipation of being reunited in sweet fellowship. We need you. I need you. Please come home.

So Much Love & Prayer,

-Pat