But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. (Luke 15:17-20)

You probably recognized the picture accompanying this revelation as the famous painting by Rembrandt known as “The Return of the Prodigal.”

Would you take a few minutes to look closely at this painting?

Please pay special attention to the contrasts in the picture between:

• the ragged, plain clothing of the son and the majestic, colourful robe of the father
• the blistered feet and worn out sandals of the son and his older brother to the right
• the open arms of the father and the closed unwelcoming posture of the older brother
• the compassion on the face of the father and the disdain of the older brother
• the kneeling younger son and the standing older son

Please notice also the positioning of the son’s face upon the father’s chest and the look of remorse on his face. “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”

The Father has been speaking to me and several others lately about how much He desires to see the prodigals back home, where they truly belong.

Some of us have been fasting and praying for the prodigals in our families to come home, even during the 12:12:12 Fast.

I am being led today to ask you to press in one more time before Christmas for answers to prayer in this area.

Who are the Prodigals that you long to see home? Your own children? Grandchildren? Other members of the family? Someone who used to be part of your church family? Someone else?

Look at the painting one more time. Can you see the face of your prodigal in the Father’s embrace?

Is there something you need to forgive them for? Please do it now.

Is there something you did that was responsible for them leaving? Ask the Father to forgive you. In the spirit realm, ask the prodigal to forgive you as well. Take a moment to forgive yourself.

Call out to them: “(First name). Come home. All is forgiven and forgotten. I love you. I welcome you with open arms.”

Focus on the Father’s face once again. Can you now see Him welcoming your prodigal child?

Give thanks in advance to the Father for welcoming them home.

Darren and I agree with you in this prayer. We stand on the promise of Jesus in Matthew 18:19: “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.”

We declare it is done. On earth as it is in heaven. AMEN!

We look forward to hearing your testimonies over the coming days and weeks.

The Prodigals are coming home. Praise God!