Guiding parents through their toughest times, Laine Lawson Craft, a best-selling, award-winning author and podcast host, provides hope and practical solutions. Her expertise showcased in her 2023 Nonfiction Book of the Year, ‘The Parent’s Battle Plan,’ and her top 10% global podcast, Warfare Parenting Podcast, offers a blend of faith-based wisdom and real-world strategies to reclaim prodigal children and restore and heal the family.
The holiday season brings a unique ache to mothers of prodigal children. That empty chair at your table speaks volumes – but today, we’re turning that pain into powerful prayer warfare. As we approach this season of celebration, let’s transform your silent tears into strategic spiritual battles that bring your child home.
Understanding the Battle Behind the Holiday Joy
During a time when social media overflows with perfect family portraits and festive gatherings, the absence of your prodigal can feel overwhelming. Yet Scripture reminds us in Luke 15:20 that the father saw his son “while he was still a long way off.” This powerful image of anticipation and unconditional love becomes our blueprint for spiritual warfare during the holidays.
The Power of Armed Prayer: Your Spiritual Warfare Strategy
God’s armor isn’t just defensive – it’s your active strategy for reclaiming your prodigal. Ephesians 6:13 instructs us to put on the full armor of God, and here’s how each piece works in your battle for your child’s return.
Truth becomes your foundation, wrapping around you like a belt that holds everything else in place. John 8:32 promises that truth brings freedom, and this reality anchors your prayers against every lie the enemy whispers about your child’s future. Your role as a prayer warrior starts with standing firmly on God’s unchanging promises.
Righteousness protects your heart like an impenetrable breastplate. When guilt and shame try to convince you that you’ve failed as a parent, 2 Corinthians 5:21 reminds us that we become the righteousness of God in Christ. This protection keeps your prayer warrior heart beating strong, unmoved by the enemy’s accusations.
Peace becomes your steady stance, ready to move in perfect timing. Philippians 4:7 speaks of peace that surpasses understanding, guarding your heart and mind. This peace prepares you for when your prodigal takes their first step toward home, ensuring you’re ready with open arms rather than rehearsed lectures.
Faith is your shield. Raise your shield of faith against doubts. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Your belief in God’s restoration power deflects the arrows of fear and hopelessness.
Salvation as your cover. Keep your thoughts aligned with God’s promises of salvation. Romans 8:38-39 assures that nothing can separate us from God’s love. This mental protection prevents the enemy from planting seeds of despair about your child’s destiny.
Transforming Holiday Moments into Prayer Victories
Every holiday tradition becomes an opportunity for strategic prayer. As you hang stockings, declare Isaiah 49:25: “I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save.” While preparing holiday meals, remember the feast prepared for the prodigal’s return in Luke 15. These everyday moments transform into powerful prayer opportunities.
The Advent season particularly speaks to waiting with purpose. Each candle lit becomes a declaration of hope, reminding us of Jeremiah 31:16-17: “Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded. Your children will return from the enemy’s land.”
Recognizing the Signs of Breakthrough
Victory often whispers before it shouts. The subtle changes matter – an unexpected text message, a softened tone in conversation, or a small step toward family connection. One praying mother shared how her son’s return began with a simple Christmas card, the first communication in three years. Another witnessed her daughter’s restoration start through a New Year’s Eve phone call, choosing family over destructive relationships.
These testimonies remind us of Isaiah 43:19: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Your breakthroughs might begin small, but they’re significant signs of God’s faithful work.
Your Strategic Prayer Arsenal
Prayer becomes most powerful when guided by Scripture. Start your mornings declaring Lamentations 3:22-23, embracing new mercies for both you and your prodigal. Throughout the day, let Psalm 91 shape your prayers for protection over your child. End your evenings with thanksgiving, holding fast to Philippians 4:6-7.
Document your prayer journey in a dedicated journal. Record specific Scriptures, answered prayers, and prophetic words. This documentation becomes your personal testament to God’s faithfulness and a powerful weapon when doubt tries to creep in.
Building Your Support Network
While prayer warfare can feel lonely, you’re not alone in this battle. Connect with other praying mothers who understand your heart’s cry. Share victories, no matter how small, and stand together on James 5:16, knowing the powerful effect of righteous prayers. Your testimony becomes another mother’s hope.
Practical Steps for Holiday Prayer Warfare
Create specific prayer times during holiday activities. As you prepare traditional meals, pray for the feast of celebration that will come with your prodigal’s return. While wrapping gifts, declare the unwrapping of spiritual blindness from your child’s eyes. Let every Christmas carol remind you of heaven’s rejoicing over one returned soul.
Standing Strong in the Wait
Remember 2 Chronicles 20:15: “The battle is not yours, but God’s.” Your role is to stand firm, fully armed with Scripture and faith, while God works in ways you can’t see. Let this holiday season become your strongest prayer offensive yet, turning the enemy’s schemes into stepping stones for victory.
Your Next Strategic Move
Begin your focused prayer warfare by downloading the first chapter of “The Parent’s Battle Plan” at LaineLawsonCraft.com. Join our community of praying mothers who understand your heart and stand with you in faith. Together, we’ll see prodigals return home, fulfilling God’s promises and redeeming every empty chair at our holiday tables.
Your prodigal’s story isn’t finished – it’s simply waiting for its most beautiful chapter. As you enter this holiday season, stand firm in your prayer warfare, knowing that God’s Word never returns void. Your prayers are creating pathways home for your prodigal, and restoration’s celebration draws closer every day.
Take your first step toward victory: Download your free chapter of “The Parent’s Battle Plan” and join our prayer warrior community at LaineLawsonCraft.com. Transform your holiday waiting into active warfare.
Laine’s best-selling book, Enjoy Today Own Tomorrow, has helped thousands of women find healing from life’s hurts through a three-R process. She also offers online courses, hope-filled products, and many FREE resources. Go to Laine’s website, LaineLawsonCraft.com, follow her on social media, and don’t forget to sign up for her inspiring and healing email devotions!
