AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Praying for Your Prodigal by Kyle Idleman

In my role as a youth worker, I meet a lot of desperate parents whose son or daughter has chosen to walk a destructive path.  Just like the parable of the prodigal son, this child has left their family behind—often figuratively, sometimes literally.  The parents are at a loss; broken with grief and hurt.  I do my best to help and support them with encouragement and prayer.  Now, thanks to Kyle Idleman, I have something I can send them with: a great little book called Praying for Your Prodigal.

This is book is very short.  The print version is under 100 pages and the audiobook version clocks in at less than 80 minutes.  It’s really the perfect size for someone who needs encouragement, not a reading assignment.  And, boy is this book encouraging!  If I’m not mistaken, it is derived from Idleman’s longer book entitled AHA, for the very purpose of being a salve for those experiencing the pain of watching their loved one walk away.

The book follows a formula.  Each chapter opens with a letter written by a parent or grandparent to their own prodigal.  Idleman notes that these are real letters written by real people.  They are raw and emotional.  Often there isn’t closure offered, and no pat answers are given.  I found these letters heart-wrenching, but I think there could be some real comfort to be gained for a parent who is struggling.

Each chapter then continues with an episodic look at the prodigal son parable with Idleman’s own commentary.  While Idleman’s journey through Jesus’ most famous parable isn’t quite as insightful and comprehensive as, say, Nouwen’s The Return of Prodigal Son, that’s not really his goal.  He is drawing out basic principles and he does a good job at it.

Finally, each chapter concludes with a prayer.  Like the letters, these prayers are painfully real and raw.  But they also offer hope and comfort.  The prodigal is now in God’s hands.  And where we are weak and powerless, He is mighty and powerful to save.

I highly recommend this book for struggling parents and also as resource for pastors and leaders dealing with struggling parents.  It is just the right length and price to have a few copies on hand to give out at the appropriate time, and that is exactly my plan.  Kirby Heyborne does a great job narrating the audio version.

Please Note: This audiobook was gifted as a part of the Christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for my unbiased review of this work. This has in no way influenced my opinion or review of this work.  More information can be found about this and other Christian audiobooks at christianaudio.com.