A Prodigal Heart

Prodigals are not marked by distance, but by their heart. Unseen by all but God, the heart is the great revealer. Within the heart lies desires, motivations, intentions- all unseen. For a while.

Consider this sobering truth: God hears our prayers, and sees our heart. That is, He hears what we say, and also knows what we mean. He sees a heart turning prodigal before anyone else would notice.

Read the words of the prodigal again, and hear the heart behind them: “Give me all I need to make it on my own. I don’t want to need you anymore.”

How often do the motives behind our prayers echo this very sentiment?

We’d like enough resources that we never have to depend on daily manna again.

We’d like enough wisdom that we wouldn’t have to daily dig into the Word for guidance.

We’d like enough patience that we didn’t have to fall on our knees every morning and return to the Source.

Prodigals resist dependence.

Sons thrive in it.

Prodigals want to do it on their own.

Sons accept help because they know they can’t.

Our hearts begin to turn prodigal in any area that we don’t want to need God.

Our constant need invites a constant relationship, and a relationship cultivates a desire. It is our need of God that leads us to also want Him. A heart that desires the Father won’t have any interest in leaving home.

We fight best against a prodigal spirit when we humbly recognize with the songwriter, “I need Thee, oh, I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee…”