You ask for favorable results and safe travels for your son. But consider what the faithful truly seek when they bow their knees. They ask nothing of things present, for they have no regard for these. Their entreaty is that they may stand with boldness before the fearful judgment-seat, and sail over this angry sea with a favorable wind toward that harbor. The favorable result to seek first is a pure conscience, that he may pass through this toilsome life and not hear that tearful voice, “I know you not.”
Travel along the narrow way, being both confident and in fear. Confident, because Jesus is our guide. In fear, because if one slumbers but a little while, he is swept away quickly. The devil’s craft sets snares in every journey, both of body and soul. Pray rather that your son travel sober and wakeful, that whatever the physicians find, he may become better thereby, and draw down God’s grace. For the things of the Father are the Son’s, and the things of the Son are the Father’s. Of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. Let your request rise beyond present comfort to that unshakable standing before the Only-Begotten, who alone grants safe passage through every storm.