You have poured out a prayer for many souls, pleading with the Father to save a certain person and all who surround him, and also for countless children and their parents in this nation, while asking that a bodily plague be completely driven away. This compassion is good, for the Apostle teaches that affliction and comfort alike can work for the salvation of others when endured patiently. Yet we must always remember that the root of every calamity is sin, a sickness far more fearful than any disease of the body. Many do not even know the common salvation; they revel in their despair as if it were health, and so they block up the path to healing by delighting in what ruins them. Pray, then, that their eyes be opened to behold the cross, where the death of the Lord Jesus became the salvation of the world.
When you ask that legionnaires' disease be wiped out entirely, you seek a good thing. But hear what is even more urgent: the Lord once found a man He had healed and said, “Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” Not every infirmity springs from a man's own sins, the man born blind was so formed that God's works might be displayed, yet physical chastisement often serves to rouse the soul. The disease of sin festers unseen, and those who laugh while it grows have reached the crowning point of their evil. Pray for bodily relief, yes, but plead even more fervently that the plague of unbelief be driven from every heart, for now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation.
You have mentioned many children and their parents. It is right to desire their salvation. Yet too many parents are like the covetous man who, in his madness, despises even the gift of children or destroys them before they draw breath, all because of a soul diseased by love of money and worldly care. If parents walk in wickedness, they drag their little ones toward the pit. But do not believe the error that a child bears the guilt of his father's sin: the Lord has said through the prophet, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Each must answer for himself. Still, the influence of a godless home is a horror, and we must labor in prayer and in teaching to snatch both parents and children from the fire. Be not impatient with those who are perishing; bear with them as with children, for all the nations are as children before the truth. If they spit and revile while you offer the food of the gospel, endure it, that you might save some.
Do not neglect your own soul while interceding for others. The physician first heals himself. Children are commanded to honor father and mother, this is the first commandment with a promise, yet if a parent commands what is contrary to Christ, that command must be refused with all meekness. And if you pray that parents not be a stumbling block or continue in sin, labor also in your own conduct to provoke them to holy jealousy by your purity, for a righteous life often speaks louder than words.
Above all, cling to this hope: the God of mercies hears the prayer of the humble. Whether we are afflicted or comforted, it is for your salvation and for the salvation of many. He who did not spare His own Son will freely give us all things, and His will is that none should perish but that all should come to repentance. Therefore do not grow weary, but with boldness approach the throne of grace, while you still have the day of salvation. Amen.