While tere is much that is good in this book, the Biblical citations that interrupt the prayers are taken to extremes that interfere with the reading and praying. When a fairly common word or words is put in quotations with a citation, the power of the other, longer and more relevant citarions is diminshed significantly.

Prayers for Prodigals, by James Banks, is exactly the book I needed. It is not only remarkably helpful, but also a balm to my soul. The practical, insightful and moving prayers that are candidly offered in this book are a wonderful guide for parents with wayward children.

Each relatively short prayer offers a distinct and different perspective from the others, and is filled with applicable Scripture. I actually bought a copy for my husband for his birthday because I’m sure he will find it encouraging and keenly relevant to our lives and needs. I’m grateful to this author for sharing his experiences, revealing his heart, and writing with openness and inspiration.

Each prayer is filled with Scriptures and there is so much encouragement! Mr. Banks truly understands the hurting heart of a parent and the parent's guilt over her prodigal.

This book is different than what I expected but it is exactly what the title suggests. It is in fact a series of devotionals consisting entirely of prayers that cover a 90-day (13 week) period with abundant scriptural quotes and references. Each day may not match the same problems faced by the reader but rather serves as a guide for those who might find it difficult to know how to begin praying for the prodigals in their lives. The author also provides questions and additional prompts for the reader and these are interspersed throughout the book. [Full disclosure: In order to write this review, I skimmed the chapters in taking notes for my review—for the purchaser of the book keep in mind that the entire 13 weeks will be necessary if following the plan of one daily devotion. That being said, ‘Prayers for Prodigals’ is well-researched with abundant relevant quotes and brief anecdotes.]

In the first section, “Don’t Cry” the author refers to the book by Ruth Graham entitled: ‘Prodigals and Those Who Love Them’. In that excerpt, God speaks to Ruth Graham during her 3:00 am prayer for the prodigal in her life.
God says to Ruth: “Quit studying the problems and start studying the promises.”

This excerpt and model prayer provide a pattern that is followed throughout the book with topics designed for those in similar situations who spend sleepless nights wrestling in prayer for loved ones. The other devotions cover topics such as a parent’s feelings of failures and regrets, anger, hopelessness and similar struggles. At the end, the author refers to other resources, including an Internet site “Prodigal Praying Wall” and a list of book resources “for those who love prodigals” which I thought to be helpful.

Fabulous devotional. Must have been sent from God as I REALLY needed it. I bought two copies to distribute. Full of scripture and good advice for addition prayer. I read each night and it gives me peace for a good nights sleep. Thanks to NetGally and Our Daily Bread publishers for an advance copy for an honest review.

Containing both written prayers and scripture, this is a timely and encouraging book for those who have prodigals in their lives. Excellent and highly recommended.

Many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for providing me with a copy of this book. The opinions are my own.

Very helpful reminders and encouragement for all parents of prodigals. A reading a day keeps your faith built up.

This book was a timely suggestion from NetGalley. Although my wayward child is still physically at home, it often feels like she is miles away in a spiritual and emotional sense. Day one had me in tears by the end of reading the provided prayer and led to continued prayer with more focus than I had ever been able to muster before.

Prayers for Prodigals is organized as a 7-day a week devotional covering a total of 90 days. Each week starts with a scripture and anecdotal story from parents who have been down this road. This is followed by an inspirational quotation. The daily devotionals consist of a scripture and prayer starters with plenty of scripture sprinkled throughout.

The daily prayers can be read word for word with minor modifications such as substituting the correct pronoun for your child’s gender and substituting your child’s name when “my child” is written in the prayer. Each day ends with an open ended question or prompt to help you continue praying from your heart.

While not every weekly anecdote and daily prayer will resonate with every situation, there were many that were impactful and instructive for my situation. I think any parent with a prodigal child could get some benefit from going through the devotional.

This book was originally published in 2011.

Thank you to NetGalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing for providing this ebook for review.

Free ARC from NETGALLEY

Good information but I am skeptical of any and all 90 day wonder cycles that are so called Biblical based

It can sure make the 91st day very heartbreaking

I started this book, feeling extremely discouraged because of different things that have gone on for years with our oldest daughter (my husband's from his first marriage).

In the first day's prayer was this:
I am encouraged! You are God, and you answer prayer!

And you know what? It's true! I AM encouraged after just that first day. It had gotten to the point where I couldn't even think about that daughter, much less pray for her. But prayer changes things. It has reminded me that she is still our daughter, and God can still move in her life.

I love how the prayers-almost every line of them-are centered around Scripture. God says that His Word will not return void, so what better way to pray than with Scripture?

I think this is a wonderful prayer guide for parents of prodigals. Not every prayer will fit your situation of course, but all prayers are customizable.

From the beginning I had goosebumps run over me! “Quit studying the problems and start studying the promises.” This book has given me hope and strengthened my faith. I don’t think it matters if our children are wayward or docile. We always worry or think of potential problems that they may fall prey too. It is true that I worry more for my adult children then when they were young and under my protection. This wonderful collection of prayers, scriptures and daily thoughts has enlighten me and let me turn my fears over to the Lord. I will use this book daily, to strengthen me so I can strengthen my children.

Prayers for Prodigals
90 Days of Prayer for Your Child
by James Banks
Pub Date 01 Mar 2022
Our Daily Bread Publishing
Christian | Parenting & Families | Religion & Spirituality




I am reviewing a copy of Prayer s for Prodigals: 90 Days of Prayers For Your Child through Our Daily Bread Publishing and Netgalley:




Are you a Christian parent, with a child whose fallen away? If so this book may be just the encouragement you need.



One of the most devastating experiences a Christian parent can face is when a Child falls away from that relationship with Jesus. James Banks experienced this once but not twice, he has also experienced the joy of answered prayer, of a prodigal restored. In this updated and expanded Prayers for Prodigals, you will be directed to the source of peace in painful circumstances.



Each week you will find encouragement from a father who understands your heartbreak. And you will find daily scriptural prayers and prayer tips to help you come to the heavenly Father with gut-wrenching honesty and hope-filled persistence. As you face heartbreak and hopelessness, this book points to the ultimate source of hope God. And encourages you and your family to trust Him.



I give Prayers for Prodigals five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

This is an amazing devotional for those with children who are in trouble, whatever that trouble might be.. It is a resting place for parents, who for a few minutes a day can feel the love coming from someone who has been there and knows what you are going through. James Banks has been there with both of his children, and he provides scripture and well thought out daily devotions that encourage, strengthen, and support. For parents who feel all alone and don't know which way to turn, this is a guide that provides scripture and understanding to help you take on each day.

Having a kid who has lost their way can be very depressing and this is an uplifting guide that is focused when you may feel scattered, helpful when you may feel helpless, and supportive when you are searching for support and understanding. The scriptures you are searching for are all there. Mr. Banks has found them during his journey and shared them with us.

If you are a parent praying for a child or anyone praying for someone in trouble, this is a great resource for daily strength and encouragement.

I received a free copy of this book from Our Daily Bread Publishing via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

This book is set up as a 90-day devotional. And if you have a prodigal, it takes daily encouragement! Each week opens with a story. Each day of the week has a Bible verse, devotion, questions to ponder and prayer suggestions. My one critique is the Bible verses in quotes and parentheses in each devotion. It is a bit distracting. But I could relate to so many of the struggles, successes and setbacks this author shared. I wrote down many verses and quotes to return to in the future. I'd recommend purchasing a copy of the book for highlighting and referencing.

"Prayer combined with a believing parents' love is powerful when placed in Jesus' hands, it is invincible."

This book is very well written for anyone separated from their children where your thoughts race , trying to heal, and just absorb the whole process is possible thru daily short reading giving you the way to do all the above and learn to feel human again in the process of reading daily healing and hope can be restored.

Powerful & Hopeful

When you have done everything you know to raise your child right, yet they end up leaving the truths you have taught them, you are devastated. You may be at the end of your rope and feel there is no chance for their return.

In Prayer for Prodigals, James Banks uses powerful scripture written in an easy-to-read format, giving the parent weekly and daily prayer ideas to bring hope back to praying for their child.

If you are praying for a prodigal, you will be encouraged by this excellent resource. This book is well organized and spiritually rich.

The "meat" of the book is a collection of ninety heartfelt prayers, which are based on Scripture and organized into daily prayers for thirteen weeks. When you are praying continually with a heavy heart for a loved one, it is helpful to have written prayers and to hear the poured-out hearts of others.

"Prayers for Prodigals" is full of solid, Biblical encouragement. Each daily reading provides Scripture, prayer, and a short action point. A short devotional goes along with each week of prayer. The author also provides a discussion guide and prayer prompts for groups.

After reading through the first fifty pages, I closed the book ... and ordered two more copies to share with others.

Christians use devotionals to improve their relationship with God. Prayers For Prodigals is a simple devotional guide that offers a basic prayer template but little else.

Devotional guides typically follow a structure to encourage the reader to develop a habit. Black’s guide is targeted toward faithful parents whose children are not religious. My teen sons are agnostic, so I was pleased that I could develop a practice of prayer for them.

This devotional guide is undated, my preferred format. Dated devotional guides are a challenge if you don’t start using it on the first day in the book. It doesn’t feel right to me to start in the middle, and I wonder if there will be a flow issue because I didn’t start at the beginning. Another benefit of undated guides is that you can miss a day (or two) and just pick up where you left off. If a guide is dated, then I feel guilty if I don’t use it everyday and am more likely to abandon it.

Most of the devotionals follow a consistent pattern. They start with a Bible quote, add a prayer based on Bible verses, and end with a call to action for the reader. Other devotionals were a few pages longer and focused on a specific Bible story or passage. Short entries made it easier to find time to read one each day. The call to action was a good way to keep the lesson in mind throughout the day.

Unfortunately, Prayers For Prodigals' flaws outweigh its strengths. The devotionals had a sameness to them because of the format’s rigidity. Too many of the prayers turn into word soup, where snippets of scripture are extracted and thrown together. These days short bits of scripture carry additional suspicion, with the reader speculating on what parts of the passage His banal quotes - “you have said”, “trust in your word” - offered little insight and opportunities for growth. Using so many short quotes diluted the message. His insight for quoting “you have said” was “you promised.” While the call to action may have provided a good takeaway, the devotion itself was easily forgettable.

Prayer For Prodigals chose an underserved audience - parents whose child don’t believe - and offered guidance on praying for them. The devotional guide failed to provide substantial support for those seeking spiritual growth.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a review copy of this book.

This is a wonderful and very special book. It taught me a lot that I didn't know. The writers did a great job and I thank the publisher for putting it into print. It will help anyone who wants to learn more about prayer.

Solid read for those of us believers that can use the daily spiritual pick-me-up…Thanks to NetGalley for issuing this book in exchange for our feedback.

Every person who has unsaved children or grandchildren should read this book! James Banks speaks from experience and has written prayers for 90 days that will speak from your heart and also encourage you. Many times you will be praying scripture over your prodigal. I highly recommend Prayers for Prodigals and have gifted copies to others. I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Prayers for Prodigals is a great devotional made for the heart of a parent seeking God’s will for their child. I loved the daily prayers and found them touching and applicable. The book offers the promise of God’s word with the acknowledgment of the painful desire to see a prodigal child return home. I highly recommend this!

I am absolutely loving this book. Daily prayers for your prodigal child. It's wonderful. James Banks really feels what we feel for our prodigals. This book will help you to know different ways to pray for your child. Thank you so much for this ensemble of prayers. I can't believe my 90 days are already almost done. I pray daily for my child, but this takes it even further.

Loved it. Filled with prayers and optimism. Thank you for a book that's needed when down. Perfect for the bedside table to pick up and read anytime.

Parenting is often a hard and lonely road we walk. Having a prodigal child can make it even more isolated. Prayers for Prodigals is a wonderful resource for when you are feeling despair on your parenting journey. Each day is a verse to meditate on and a heartfelt prayer filled with scripture to uplifted encourage, and renew your weary soul.

I especially liked having prayers when it felt like my own prayers had run dry. To have pre written prayers for your child can be such an encouragement when you are feeling lost and hopeless.

This devotional will surely remind you of the power of prayer and the power of God to work in your life and your child’s.

#PrayersforProdigalsUpdatedandExpanded #NetGalley

I have tons of devotionals. And a few books specifically related to having a prodigal child. But this book is everything that I've ever needed. This is by far the best prodigal resource for a parent that I have ever come across. The prayers are EXACTLY what needs to be prayed. They are encouraging and specific. Praying this prayers (and PROMISES) will help relieve the stress that parents face and will assist you in entrusting your prodigal back to God, which is exactly where he/she needs to be.

Good resource for assisting with scripture based prayers for your children and God’s guidance as a parent.

I read this book as I prepared a sermon on Luke 15, the Parable of the Prodigal Son. I am grateful for the meaningful words and powerful testimonies that serve as a glimmer of hope to those who are longing for their lost loved ones to return home. I appreciated the author’s breakdown of the various sections of prayers. While I do not have biological children, I was able to relate to many of the feelings expressed in the devotional. Perhaps what I like most is the reality that this book lets parents (and loved ones) of prodigal people know that they are not alone. Keep praying, keep believing, and one day we too will see our loved one coming home.

Beautiful thoughtful prayers. I looked forward to praying with this book often! Each chapter is short, meaningful, and specific. Praying for specific requests along with scripture as very meaningful.

“Prayer combined with a believing mother’s or father’s love is powerful. When placed in Jesus’s hands, it is invincible. Obstacles may come when you least expect them, but perseverance in prayer will lead to a breakthrough.”—James Banks, Prayers for Prodigals.

Prayers for Prodigals offers a heartfelt guide for parents grappling with a child’s departure from their faith. The premise resonates deeply with Christian parents facing this painful challenge, aiming to fortify their perseverance through structured, scripture-based support. Pastor James Banks draws from his personal experiences with prodigal children, aiming to bolster readers’ faith and trust in God through this trying time.

The book’s structure comprises scriptural prayers, words of encouragement, and practical prayer tips, which aid parents in navigating their emotional and spiritual turmoil. The added meditations are insightful, emphasizing the power of persistent prayer and divine intervention.

However, while the book starts promisingly with engaging prayer prompts and thoughtful meditations, it becomes repetitive. The rephrasing of Scripture sometimes simplifies complex passages, which might not satisfy all readers seeking depth in theological study or scriptural interpretation. The content, though rich in spirit, feels stretched thin for a 90-day devotional.

Overall, Prayers for Prodigals is a solid attempt at addressing a need within the Christian community. My personal journey through the book brought a sense of solidarity, knowing I’m not alone in this struggle. Yet, I desired more variety and depth as the days passed. 4 stars.

** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book. The opinions are my own.