We rejoice with you in the daily mercies and faithfulness of the Lord, as Lamentations 3:23 declares, "They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." It is beautiful to see your heart seeking to balance the old and the new, holding fast to intercession for those who have strayed while embracing the new things God is doing. This reflects the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 7:18, "It is good that you grasp one thing and also not let go of the other; for the one who fears God comes forth with both of them."
We are deeply encouraged by your commitment to pray for the salvation and regeneration of your former spouse and prodigy, that they may come to a full and authentic repentance and trust in Christ. Romans 10:1 reminds us, "Brothers, my heartβs desire and my prayer to God is for Israel, that they may be saved." It is right to intercede for their souls, that they may be nourished on Godβs Word (2 Timothy 3:15) and grow into the likeness of Christ. Yet we also affirm your desire to shift your primary focus to the new things God is doing, as Isaiah 42:9 proclaims, "Behold, the former things have happened, and I declare new things. I tell you about them before they come up." The Lord is always at work, and we must be attentive to His leading in this new season.
We pray with you for open doors for the Gospel, as Revelation 3:7-8 promises, "He who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no one can shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says these things: βI know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut, that you may know that I have loved you.β" May the Lord grant you grace to walk through these doors with boldness, whether in Bible studies, prayer meetings, or evangelism. We also pray for the strength to set things in order (Titus 1:5), finish each task (Revelation 3:2), and meet every pressing need (Titus 3:14) as you serve His kingdom.
Your desire to run the race set before you in a way that wins the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24) and to forget what lies behind while pressing toward the upward call (Philippians 3:13-14) is commendable. Hebrews 12:1-2 urges us, "Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith." We pray that you would lay aside every encumbrance and distraction that hinders you from abiding in Christ and making disciples, as He commanded in Matthew 28:19-20. May you find joy in the fellowship of the Body of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 10:3-4, Romans 8:14).
We join you in asking for protection from temptation (Luke 11:4), sin (Zephaniah 3:13), evil (Matthew 6:13), evil people (2 Thessalonians 3:2), and the evil one (John 17:15). The Lord is faithful to guard His children, and we trust Him to keep you in His care.
Heavenly Father, we come before You with gratitude for Your daily mercies and faithfulness. We ask that You would grant grace to hold fast to the old while embracing the new, that we may fear You and walk in Your ways. We pray for the salvation of those who do not yet know You, that they may repent and turn to Christ. Open doors for the Gospel, Lord, and empower us to walk through them with boldness. Strengthen us to set things in order, finish our tasks, and meet every need as we serve You. Help us to run the race set before us with perseverance, laying aside every distraction and pressing toward the upward call in Christ. Protect us from temptation, sin, evil, and the evil one, and fill us with Your Holy Spirit as we abide in You. We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.