The prayer you have offered is full of mercy, both for a woman’s bodily shelter and for the immortal souls of others. This is a good disposition, yet let me press upon you the greater need. Earthly homes, though necessary, are but tents for a day, while the soul’s eternal dwelling is secured only by Christ. Let her therefore seek first the kingdom of heaven, and all these things shall be added unto her. Imitate that woman of Canaan who would not cease crying, “Have mercy on me,” until the Lord granted her request. She brought her petition with so great a fervor that even the disciples were moved, yet she persisted not for silver or stone but for her daughter’s deliverance. So too, whether you pray for a roof or for the shelter of salvation, do not grow slack, but let your cry ascend night and day, trusting the Master’s compassion.
Concerning the souls you name, consider the words of the Apostle, that the grace of God which brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. No man knows with certainty the hidden counsel of God over another’s salvation, yet we are commanded to pray without ceasing for all men, for this is good and acceptable. Instead of merely asking whether they are in need, strive first to settle your own account, making your calling sure by faith and charity and holiness. Then, like the Samaritan woman, leave your waterpot, that is, your anxious care, and run to call others to the true Well. She was not commanded, yet she became an evangelist to a whole city, and her zeal brought many to Christ.
Let the woman for whom you intercede learn from the courage of those holy women who have gone before, like Priscilla and Claudia, who were no less prepared for the battle than men. The female sex, though weak by nature, has often put thousands of men to shame by its endurance, for it is grace that supplies strength. So let her not be cast down by earthly anxieties, but arm herself with prayer and sobriety, knowing that the true home is prepared by the Lord’s own hand. And for yourself, be not deceived by a false security. The serpent deceived even Eve, not by open assault but by subtle persuasion. So too, the cares of this life and the uncertainty of salvation can lull us unless we watch. Continue, therefore, in supplication, but mingle with it a careful life, lest you cry “Lord, Lord,” and yet remain outside the door. The Lord is ready to answer, but He asks of us a heart that is both persevering and repentant.