You come with your heart full of your father and mother, and you bring their names before the throne. That is no small thing. Do not think it is a little matter that you find yourself drawn again and again to pray for them, for their work, for their well-being, and most especially for their souls. This very impulse is one of the quiet gifts of God. It is He who writes intercession upon a child’s heart, and when a son or daughter forgets self and pleads for those they love, you may be sure the Lord has put that burden there for a purpose.
Your prayer does not travel alone. Even on days when you hardly know what to ask, when the words feel thin and the heaviness of concern makes your thoughts stumble, there is another who helps. The Holy Spirit draws near in that very moment and takes your sighs and shapeless longings and presents them before the Father in perfect form. A groan that never reaches your own lips may yet reach the courts of heaven. So be not anxious about how you pray for them, only go on praying. The stammering of a loving child is music to the Father’s ear.
And as for their salvation, you have asked that the Lord would save them if they need it, and you have asked the same for the people in their life. Perhaps you wonder whether such a prayer can accomplish anything, whether your voice makes any difference in the great machinery of grace. Let me assure you: there are hidden wheels that move the whole course of a family’s story, and those wheels are turned by the prayers of God’s people. We do not know how to estimate the worth of one man or one woman who has power with God in private. John Knox went upstairs to plead for Scotland, and that was the greatest event in Scottish history. Your quiet room, your whispered petition over your parents’ names, this is no small event in the kingdom of God.
They are older than you, perhaps, and you cannot command their steps or open their hearts. But the One who holds their breath in His hand can do what you cannot. He knows exactly what argument will reach them, what providence will awaken them, what word from a friend or what line of a hymn will lodge in their memory and bear fruit long after. You are not the potter; you are simply the child who loves them enough to carry their case to the One who is. And that is not weakness, that is wisdom.
Do not let a cold thought creep in that your prayers are wasted because you cannot see the answer yet. When David prayed for his enemies, he said the prayer returned into his own bosom. Even so, a prayer that seems to find no visible result does not perish; it comes back to you with a sense of peace, a quiet confidence that you have placed the matter in the right hands. But how much more when you pray for those you love, for a father and mother! Rest in this: the Lord does not forget the cries of His children. Every word you have breathed on their behalf is written in His book of remembrance, and not one syllable will fall to the ground.
Now, to the One who hears prayer, I commend these two souls whom you love. Father, Thou knowest this son’s, this daughter’s, deep desire for his mother and father. Be with them at their work; sustain them in body and mind; let no harm come near them. But more than that, if they have not yet bowed before the cross of Thy dear Son, draw them as only Thou canst. Send the Spirit to open their eyes and make them willing in the day of Thy power. And do the same, Lord, for every soul in their circle still wandering from the fold. Give this praying child to see a harvest yet, and meanwhile fill their own heart with the peace that passes understanding. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. 
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