You have brought your burdens to the throne of grace, and we lay them before the Lord who hears the cry of the anxious heart. Our Father is no stranger to such petitions; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His breast. Let us therefore approach Him with childlike confidence, even as Job did when he bowed amidst the ashes and worshipped.
We join you in praying that the young man would put on a helmet, not only of strong material but also the helmet of salvation, that blessed hope which covers the head in the day of battle. A helmet that is not easily knocked off, this is the mind stayed on God, saying, “What do I care? My Father is the keeper of my life.” Pray that he may ride in safety, whether in light or in darkness, for the darkness is not dark to Him; and that prudence may govern his ways. The Lord has given angels charge over us, yet we do not tempt Him by neglecting means. So we ask for both the outward shield and the inward trust.
As for his old employment, the Lord who renewed Job’s bow can give him fresh strength and favour in his toil. Job’s glory was fresh in him, and his bow was renewed in his hand. We pray that his hours may be increased, not only for the bread that perishes, but that he may know the hand of the Lord is upon him for good. The Father knows what His children need before they ask; yet He delights to be inquired of.
And for his father, who has walked a long lane of unemployment, we lift him up as one who feels the pinch of need. Our God is the Father of the fatherless and the orphan’s patron; He does not forget those who are cast down. You desire him to do well in his interview tomorrow. We pray the Lord would go before him, make the crooked places straight, and give him favour in the eyes of those in authority. For promotion comes neither from the east nor the west, but from the Lord. May this man, who has tasted the bitterness of want, find a table spread in the wilderness.
In all these things, rest your heart upon the Father’s love. As our Lord Jesus said, “Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight.” There is unrivalled music in that name “Father”, it holds all we need, all we can ask. If we have seen the Son, we have seen the Father; and He who gave His own Son for us, how shall He not with Him freely give us all things? Yet remember, dear soul, that the Lord’s ways are often deep, and we must sometimes wait as Job waited. He may not answer in the hour we expect, but the turning of the captivity will surely come. Job’s latter end was twice as much as his beginning. So wait, and do not charge God foolishly; let no murmur escape your lips. Keep your helmet bright with hope.
We are debtors to the needy, as Job was, who wept for those in trouble and did not eat his morsel alone. Therefore we pray for these three, that the God of all comfort would ease your worry and grant a gracious answer. The Lord turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends; so may our intercessions bring blessing to this household. To Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be glory forever and ever. Amen.
