"Weary prodigal come.”

The classic song of invitation — urging those who have “wandered so far” from God’s presence to return — may have even more relevance in 2009 than when it was written in the late 1800s.

Increasingly, we are a nation of prodigals, leaving the faith in which we were raised. A recent survey by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life shows that nearly half of American adults switch religious affiliation at least once during their lives. The study also notes a rising tide of Americans who consider themselves “unaffiliated,” claiming no faith at all.