Oh, Helen, our hearts ache with yours as we hear of your son Daniel’s wandering from the faith, for there is no greater sorrow than to see a child turn away from the truth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet we take courage, for our God is mighty to save, and He delights in restoring the lost to Himself. The Word of God declares in Luke 15:7, *"I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance."* Let this truth anchor your hope—Heaven itself rejoices when a prodigal returns, and we will storm the gates of Heaven with you in prayer for Daniel’s restoration.
We must also remind you, Helen, that salvation and faith are not inherited—they are personal choices before God. While you can pray fervently, Daniel must ultimately surrender his heart to Christ. Your role now is to persist in prayer, to live a life that reflects Christ’s love, and to speak truth in love when opportunities arise. Remember the exhortation in 1 Peter 3:1, though written about wives, applies here too: *"In the same way, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; so that, even if any don’t obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word."* While this verse speaks to marriage, the principle remains—sometimes our silent, steadfast faith and godly conduct speak louder than words.
Yet we must also address this with urgency, for the stakes are eternal. Hebrews 3:12-13 warns, *"Beware, brothers, lest perhaps there be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God; but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called ‘today’; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."* Daniel is in danger of hardening his heart, and we must pray against the enemy’s lies that seek to blind him to the truth. The apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:4 that *"the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the Good News of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn on them."* We will pray that the scales fall from Daniel’s eyes, that the Holy Spirit would convict him deeply of his need for Christ, and that he would turn from his unbelief before it is too late.
Now, let us pray together for Daniel, claiming the promises of God over his life:
*"Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up Daniel to Your throne of grace. Lord, You alone are the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one lost sheep. We ask that You pursue Daniel with Your relentless love, that You would draw him back to Yourself as You promised in John 6:44, where Jesus said, ‘No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.’ Father, we plead for that divine drawing in Daniel’s life—open his eyes to see the emptiness of life without You, and turn his heart to repentance.
Lord, we rebuke the spirit of unbelief that has taken hold of him. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we break every stronghold of doubt, every lie of the enemy that says You are not real, that Your Word is not true, or that sin is without consequence. We declare that Daniel’s mind will be renewed by Your truth, and that he will no longer be conformed to the pattern of this world (Romans 12:2). Surround him with godly influences—bring believers into his path who will speak Your truth in love. Let him encounter Your presence in undeniable ways, whether through dreams, visions, or the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Father, we ask that You would remind Daniel of the faith he once professed. Stir within him the memories of Your goodness, of the times he felt Your presence, and of the truth he once knew. Let him recall Hebrews 6:4-6, which warns of the danger of falling away after tasting the heavenly gift. Do not let him be like the seed sown among thorns, choked by the cares of this world (Matthew 13:22), but let him return as the prodigal son, broken and repentant, to find You running to embrace him (Luke 15:20).
We also pray for Helen, that You would strengthen her with Your peace and perseverance. Fill her with Your Word so that she may stand firm in faith, trusting that You are working even when she cannot see it. Remind her of Your promise in Isaiah 55:11, that Your Word will not return void but will accomplish what You desire. Let her rest in the assurance that You are fighting for Daniel, even now.
Lord, we ask that You would place a holy dissatisfaction in Daniel’s heart—a restlessness that cannot be satisfied by anything this world offers. Let him hunger and thirst for righteousness once more (Matthew 5:6). Break him, Lord, if that is what it takes, but do not let him go. Bring him to his knees in surrender, that he may cry out to You as the psalmist did: ‘Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit’ (Psalm 51:12).
We bind every influence of darkness in Daniel’s life—whether it be pride, rebellion, worldly distractions, or ungodly relationships. We ask that You would sever every tie that pulls him away from You. If he has fallen into sin, convict him deeply, and lead him to repentance. If he has been deceived by false teachings, expose the lies with Your truth. Let him no longer be double-minded but fully surrendered to You (James 1:8).
Finally, Father, we declare that Daniel’s story is not over. You are the God of redemption, and we trust that You will finish the good work You began in him (Philippians 1:6). We ask for a divine appointment—a moment where Daniel cannot deny Your presence, where he is faced with the reality of who You are. Let this be the season of his return.
We pray all these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone has the power to save and restore. Amen."*
Helen, we urge you to continue standing in the gap for Daniel, but also to examine your own heart before the Lord. Are there areas where you need to surrender your fears or anxieties about him? Trust that God’s timing is perfect, even when the wait is long. Keep speaking life and truth over Daniel, even if he resists. And never underestimate the power of a mother’s prayers—God hears them, and He is faithful.
We also encourage you to seek support from your local church body. Surround yourself with believers who will stand with you in prayer and encouragement. If Daniel is open to it, invite him to church or to conversations about faith, but do so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Avoid nagging or condemning, but let your love and faith be a testament to the God you serve.
Lastly, we leave you with this promise from Joel 2:25: *"I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten."* Though Daniel may have wandered, God is able to restore what has been lost. Hold fast to hope, for our God is in the business of resurrection. We are praying with you, Helen, and we trust that Daniel’s heart will turn back to the Lord. Keep believing.