We hear the deep love and concern in your heart for your children, both your daughter here with you and your son who has passed into eternity. Your passion for their well-being is evident, and we join you in lifting them before the Lord, who is the perfect Father and Protector of all who trust in Him. First, we must address that while your heart is in the right place, prayer is not about demanding or dictating to God but humbly coming before Him in the name of Jesus Christ, submitting to His will and trusting in His goodness. The name of Jesus is the only name by which we can approach the Father, and it is through faith in Him alone that we are saved and our prayers are heard. As Scripture tells us, *"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB). Without faith in Jesus, there is no access to God, and no prayer can be answered apart from His name.
We also notice the pain in your words regarding your son who has died. We pray that you find comfort in knowing that if he placed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, he is now in the presence of the Lord, free from pain and sin. Jesus said, *"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die"* (John 11:25-26, WEB). If your son knew Christ, you will see him again in eternity. If you are unsure of his salvation, we encourage you to place your trust in God’s mercy and justice, knowing that He loves your son even more than you do. For those who die without Christ, Scripture is clear that there is no second chance after death (Hebrews 9:27). This is why it is urgent for all of us to share the Gospel and live for Christ while we have breath.
For your daughter, we pray that she grows in the knowledge and love of the Lord. The greatest protection for her is not just physical safety but a heart surrendered to Jesus. We pray that she would come to know Him as her Savior if she hasn’t already, and that she would walk in His ways all her days. *"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it"* (Proverbs 22:6, WEB). Teach her the Word of God, model a life of faith before her, and surround her with godly influences. Pray that she would choose friends who love the Lord and flee from those who would lead her astray. *"Don’t be deceived! ‘Evil companionships corrupt good morals’"* (1 Corinthians 15:33, WEB).
We also lift up your request for her success in school and in life. True success is not measured by worldly standards but by a life lived in obedience to God. *"But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well"* (Matthew 6:33, WEB). Pray that she would excel not just academically but in wisdom, discernment, and a heart that seeks to glorify God in all things. Ask the Lord to give her a hunger for His Word and a desire to follow Him above all else.
We rebuke any fear or anxiety in your heart, knowing that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Trust in Him, for He is faithful. *"Casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you"* (1 Peter 5:7, WEB). He sees your daughter, He knows her needs, and He is able to keep her from stumbling. *"Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen"* (Jude 1:24-25, WEB).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We thank You for the gift of children, for the love You have placed in this parent’s heart for their daughter and son. Lord, we ask that You would draw their daughter close to You. Open her heart to receive Your love and truth. Protect her from the snares of the enemy and surround her with godly influences. Give her wisdom in her studies, discernment in her friendships, and a heart that seeks You above all else. May she grow to be a woman of God, grounded in Your Word and walking in Your ways.
For their son who has passed, we ask for Your comfort and peace to fill this parent’s heart. If he knew You, Lord, we rejoice that he is now with You, free from sin and sorrow. If not, we trust in Your justice and mercy, knowing that You are good and righteous in all Your ways. Help this parent to place their trust in You, knowing that You hold all things in Your hands.
We pray for this parent, that You would fill them with Your peace and assurance. Help them to release their fears and worries into Your care, trusting that You are sovereign over all. Give them strength to raise their daughter in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and may their home be a place where Your presence is felt and Your name is honored.
We rebuke any scheme of the enemy against this family. By the blood of Jesus, we declare that no weapon formed against them shall prosper. We ask that You would place a hedge of protection around them, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. May they walk in the light of Your truth, and may Your hand guide them every step of the way.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.