All Nations Community Church · Leeds
A prayerful beginning when you want to reconnect with God.
Remembering earlier faith can awaken longing and grief at the same time. Scripture tells of people who humbled themselves and returned to God, including Manasseh. The prophets call for a return of the heart, and Jesus’ account of the returning son shows a father’s welcome. You can begin with honesty about what has drawn you away and what you now seek.
Read and reflect on Scripture
Read slowly and consider each passage in its biblical setting. The full Bible passages are included here to help you stay with the guide.
Psalm 42:4
World English Bible British Edition
4 These things I remember, and pour out my soul within me, how I used to go with the crowd, and led them to God’s house, with the voice of joy and praise, a multitude keeping a holy day.
2 Chronicles 33:10–13
World English Bible British Edition
10 The LORD spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they didn’t listen.
11 Therefore the LORD brought on them the captains of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh in chains, bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.
12 When he was in distress, he begged the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers.
13 He prayed to him; and he was entreated by him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God.
1 Kings 21:25–29
World English Bible British Edition
25 But there was no one like Ahab, who sold himself to do that which was evil in the LORD’s sight, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.
26 He did very abominably in following idols, according to all that the Amorites did, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.
27 When Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes, put sackcloth on his body, fasted, lay in sackcloth, and went about despondently.
28 The LORD’s word came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,
29 “See how Ahab humbles himself before me? Because he humbles himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days; but I will bring the evil on his house in his son’s day.”
This passage describes a response to Ahab’s humility. It does not erase his wrongdoing or every consequence.
Isaiah 44:21–22
World English Bible British Edition
21 Remember these things, Jacob and Israel, for you are my servant. I have formed you. You are my servant. Israel, you will not be forgotten by me.
22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.
Isaiah 57:14–15
World English Bible British Edition
14 He will say, “Build up, build up, prepare the way! Remove the stumbling-block out of the way of my people.”
15 For the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, says: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
Jeremiah 24:7
World English Bible British Edition
7 I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God; for they will return to me with their whole heart.
Joel 2:12–13
World English Bible British Edition
12 “Yet even now,” says the LORD, “turn to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.”
13 Tear your heart and not your garments, and turn to the LORD, your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and relents from sending calamity.
Luke 15:10–32
World English Bible British Edition
10 Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting.”
11 He said, “A certain man had two sons.
12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of your property.’ So he divided his livelihood between them.
13 Not many days after, the younger son gathered all of this together and travelled into a far country. There he wasted his property with riotous living.
14 When he had spent all of it, there arose a severe famine in that country, and he began to be in need.
15 He went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed pigs.
16 He wanted to fill his belly with the pods that the pigs ate, but no one gave him any.
17 But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough to spare, and I’m dying with hunger!
18 I will get up and go to my father, and will tell him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.
19 I am no more worthy to be called your son. Make me as one of your hired servants.” ’
20 “He arose and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and ran, fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.
23 Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let’s eat and celebrate;
24 for this, my son, was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found.’ Then they began to celebrate.
25 “Now his elder son was in the field. As he came near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
26 He called one of the servants to him and asked what was going on.
27 He said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and healthy.’
28 But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and begged him.
29 But he answered his father, ‘Behold, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed a commandment of yours, but you never gave me a goat, that I might celebrate with my friends.
30 But when this your son came, who has devoured your living with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’
31 “He said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.
32 But it was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for this, your brother, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.’ ”
Jesus’ account includes the younger son’s return and the older brother’s response. Both belong in the story.
Take a step you can explain honestly
You may have stepped away through disappointment, distraction, painful experiences or choices you regret. Begin by distinguishing these rather than compressing them into one accusation against yourself. Bring a sentence about each to God. Returning can include confession, renewed Bible reading, prayer and the company of trustworthy Christians. If you were mistreated, you can seek a healthy community without returning to an unsafe situation. A first conversation does not require a public account of your history. Ask for someone who will listen, then choose a small rhythm you can practise while your questions are explored.
Four prayer starters
Use these prayers as a starting point, then add words of your own.
Perception
What am I noticing?
Father, help me recognise your character through Scripture as I consider returning to faith.
Process
How am I understanding it?
God, give me honesty about my choices and patience with the questions or hurts I still carry.
Purpose
What matters before God?
Jesus, renew my desire for relationship with you and for a life shaped by your grace.
Path
What is my next faithful step?
Lord, guide a simple prayer, a Bible reading and a conversation with someone trustworthy. Amen.
Put it into practice today
- Write why you stepped away, distinguishing hurt, uncertainty, habits and choices.
- Tell God what you want to bring back into the conversation with him.
- Read the returning son’s story slowly and notice the father’s response.
- Contact a trusted Christian or ANCC for a private conversation at a pace you can manage.
- Choose a short, repeatable prayer and Bible-reading rhythm for the coming week.
Questions for reflection or a small group
- What drew me away, and what am I longing for now?
- What belongs in confession, and what needs listening or support?
- What would a manageable beginning look like this week?
Discuss the Bible and the questions at your own pace. Sharing personal experiences is optional.
Continue with related ANCC guides
We can pray with you
You can ask for prayer or speak with someone about faith and the questions you are carrying.