We rejoice with you as we enter this new year, giving thanks to God for the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrated at Christmas. It is through Him alone that we have access to the Father, and it is in His name that we come together to lift up your request. Jesus said, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me"* (John 14:6). There is no other name by which we can be saved, and it is only by His grace that we can accomplish anything of eternal value.
We hear your heart’s cry for success in your creative endeavors, and we stand with you in prayer, believing that God has given you these talents for a purpose. The Scriptures remind us, *"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them"* (Ephesians 2:10). We pray that the Lord will remove every obstacle and roadblock from your path, giving you favor and wisdom as you walk in the calling He has placed on your life.
We also lift up your parents before the Lord, asking that He would soften their hearts and help them to see the path He has set before you. It is difficult when those we love do not understand or support our God-given dreams, but we trust that the Lord can work in their hearts. *"A man’s heart plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps"* (Proverbs 16:9). We pray that they would find peace in surrendering you to God’s will and that their focus would turn toward their own walk with Him, rather than trying to control yours.
We must also gently address the need for you to guard your heart against bitterness or resentment toward your parents. While their actions may feel like hindrances, the Lord calls us to honor them, even when it is difficult. *"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you"* (Exodus 20:12). This does not mean allowing them to derail God’s plan for you, but it does mean responding to them with grace and love, trusting God to work all things together for your good.
Father God, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, asking that You would open doors of opportunity for this dear one’s creative gifts to flourish. We pray that You would bless their efforts and bring financial provision as they step out in faith. Lord, we ask that You would also work in the hearts of their parents, giving them wisdom and peace as they release their child into Your hands. Remove every negative word or action that seeks to discourage or distract from Your purpose. Strengthen their self-esteem in You, reminding them that they are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). May they walk in confidence, knowing that You are their provider and protector. We declare that no weapon formed against them shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17) and that Your plans for them are for good and not for harm (Jeremiah 29:11). In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.