The Prodigal
And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had , and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
Luke 15:20 KJV
Rembrandt, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
About the Song
The parable of the Prodigal Son could be the study of a lifetime. In my own small, less-dramatic way, I am sometimes the Prodigal– trading my blessings, my opportunities, and especially my time, for things of little value. I need to learn from the humility and repentance of the Prodigal son.
I sometimes stand in the role of the father, seeing the Prodigal returning from far off. I need to run–not walk!–to meet him.
And every time I read that the unfortunate young man “began to be in want… and no man gave unto him,” I wonder what I could give someone who is at the point of “coming to himself” and returning home.
Luke 15 contains this beautiful parable, beginning with verse 11. But before Jesus tells this story, he speaks of leaving an entire flock to seek one lost sheep, and of sweeping an entire house to find a single lost coin. Even before the sermon begins, we find Jesus reaching out to the lost–the “publicans and sinners,” who gather to feel His love and to listen.
If we follow the Savior, both in precept and action, there is much that each of us can do to turn the Prodigal for home.
This song is part of the “Praise to the Lord” cantata.
Sheet Music Downloads
Spotify, Soundcloud (inc. free downloads)
Spotify:
Soundcloud:
Click the 
to download the free track for personal use.
Recording featuring vocals by James Loynes:
Accompaniment track:
Piano track:
Apple Music, Amazon
These files may be copied/shared in any quantity in any physical format unless otherwise noted. They may not be re-sold or offered for download.
Apple Music: The Prodigal (feat. James Loynes)
Apple Music: The Prodigal (Accompaniment Track)
Apple Music: The Prodigal (Piano Track)
Amazon: The Prodigal (feat. James Loynes)
Amazon: The Prodigal (Accompaniment Track)
Amazon: The Prodigal (Piano Track)
YouTube
(Video provided to YouTube by outside parties may contain ads that may be skipped after a few seconds.)
Lyrics
Somewhere a mother waits
Somewhere a father prays
Somewhere a faithful friend entreats the Lord
For a miracle
Somewhere a daughter wanders
Somewhere a son has strayed
Somewhere the fire of faith is cold
Someone doubts and turns away
If my hands are willing
If my heart is warm
The Lord can use these simple tools
for the miracles He performs
And as He seeks the straying
down the years, across the miles
He can make of me a miracle
for someone’s wandering child
Somewhere someone wonders
Is there a homeward road?
Somewhere a wayward lamb is lost
Who seeks the shelter of the fold
Lord, my heart is willing
Make my hands thine own
Use these simple tools
to turn the prodigal for home
Oh Lord who seeks the straying
down the years, across the miles
Make of me a miracle
for someone’s wandering child
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6 Comments
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what a beautiful piece.. THANK YOU for being our ‘Tool’ in sharing such inspirational music that is soo exceptionally beautiful. Thank you Sally!!
Where can I get the sheet music for this song please
This song served as confirmation of the path which was presented to me.
Thank you for this beautiful piece! My choir will love it.
Our little ward choir is starting on “The Prodigal” right after the holidays. As I sat and listened to this in SLC, I could
see tears running down faces on at least 3 people near me. That’s how special this text is!!!! Our violinist moved, but I will give the violin part to our excellent flautist and I think that will work. Thank you for a song
with so much spirit and heart. -Linda Hartman- (Now if I just had a cellist!!)
All of your music is very beautiful and I have enjoyed singing a number of them over several years at church. Now living in South Carolina I am at a new church and a soloist sings 3 songs during the service. Like I said, all of your songs are beautiful and moving but I need to ‘mix it up’ at bit. I am looking for songs a little perkier…..most of yours are serious and almost somber. I am also an alto and you used to have music marked for high or low vocal range, but I don’t see that anymore, which makes it hard for me to find a song in my range. But keep on writing and I will keep on singing your music!