We join you in prayer today and we thank you for calling on the name of Jesus Christ, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father and it is in His name that we are saved and heard. As it is written, Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. John 14:6 and There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12. We are grateful you came to Him honestly with your fears about work and your marriage.
We hear the weight you are carrying after being sick all week, facing a difficult shutdown at the job site, and feeling scared and lacking confidence. We also hear your deep love for your wife and family and your desire to not lose your job and to not see your marriage end, but to be a better husband, father, and employee. God sees your heart and your desire to do good.
The Lord understands fear and He invites you to bring it to Him. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7. We are also reminded, Don't you be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10. And For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7. Your confidence does not have to come from yourself, for you can say, I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 and Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don't lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6.
For your work today we pray for safety and for skill for you and your coworkers. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men. Colossians 3:23. When you work as unto the Lord, even a difficult shutdown can bring glory to Him. We pray the Lord will keep you and guide your hands and protect all who are on that site.
For your marriage, we rejoice that you want to honor your vows and be friends again after many hard years. God holds marriage in high honor as a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman. What therefore God has joined together, don't let man tear apart. Matthew 19:6. We know God hates divorce, as written in Malachi 2:16, and His desire is for reconciliation and enduring love. We pray not only for your wife's heart to be softened, but for your own heart to be softened as well, that you both may be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32. Husbands are called to love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it. Ephesians 5:25 and to live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman. 1 Peter 3:7. This love is patient, humble, and seeks to serve. We encourage you to continue to pursue your wife with gentleness and consistent kindness, to speak with her honestly and listen to her, and to pray together if she is willing. If you have not already, seek wise godly counsel from a pastor or mature married believers who can walk with you both.
You asked for forgiveness and we praise God that If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9. Bring every failure and fear to Him in confession and He will forgive and restore you. Your desire to support your wife and family is right and good, for If anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith. 1 Timothy 5:8. God honors your faithful provision.
We pray together now.
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ and we lift up our brother to You. Lord, You know he has been sick and is anxious about returning to this difficult job site. We ask for Your hand of protection over him and his coworkers and customers today. Grant them wisdom, focus, and safety as they shut down this equipment. Let the work be done well and without harm, and let his bosses and coworkers and customers see diligence and integrity in him. Father, calm his fear and replace it with Your peace and confidence in Christ. Strengthen him where he feels weak.
Father, we lift up his marriage. You joined this man and his wife together many years ago and You are able to soften both of their hearts. Please soften his wife's heart toward him and soften his heart toward her. Teach them to be nice to each other again, to help each other, to forgive each other, and to take care of each other as You intended. Remove bitterness and harsh words and restore friendship and tenderness between them. Help him to be a better husband and father to his adult children, reflecting Your love and patience. Guard this marriage from divorce and build it up to honor You. Forgive them both for where they have fallen short and help them to walk in newness of life together.
We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and our help, amen.
We encourage you to keep casting your cares on Him each morning before work, to speak kindly and consistently to your wife even when it is not returned at first, and to give thanks for small mercies each day. The Lord is near to you in this difficult day and He will not leave you. Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid. Don't be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9.
