We are the Prodigal
(Inspired by Luke 15:11-32)

We ask for distant kingdoms,for treasure of our own,
For freedom without boundaries, for crowns without a throne.
Like the younger son of sorrow who fled his father's sight,
We took our share of mercy and wandered into night.

We walked through foreign country with pockets full of pride,
Spent grace like wasted silver on pleasures that could die.
The music of temptation sang soft to lead us on,
Till famine found our footsteps – and every joy was gone.

We fed upon the ashes of promises we broke,
We hungered in the shadows where sin's dark famine spoke.
The husks we once had cherished could never fill our need -
For hearts were made for heaven, not swine or hollow greed.

Then through the mire of failure, a whisper pierced our shame:
“Arise, return to Father – He loves you still the same.”
We trembled at that mercy, for how could we belong?
Yet grace pulled back the curtains, and hope became our song.

While still a far-off wanderer, with dust upon our face,
The Father saw us broken – then ran to our embrace.
He kissed away our failures, He clothed us in His light,
A ring of full redemption, a robe of shining white.

The feast of heaven opened; the lost were welcomed in-
A table spread with kindness for children cleansed of sin.
The Shepherd found His treasure, the Father claimed His own,
For joy erupts in glory when sinners journey home.

O prodigals returning, remember this great truth:
We all have been the wanderer with self-deceiving youth;
And yet the god of mercy, whose love no bounds can find,
Still watches on the hillside for every straying mind.

So rise, beloved children – His grace has paved the way,
For every step toward home lightens heaven's heart today.
We were the ones who squandered, who fled His perfect will...
But we are also children whom the Father longs to fill.

And when the world grows weary, and shadows cloud the sky,
We rest within His household where tears no longer cry.
For once we were the prodigal, but lost no more to roam -
The Father runs to meet us,
And calls the wanderer home.