We join you in seeking the narrow path that leads to life, as our Lord Jesus Christ taught in Matthew 7:14, "How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it." The urgency of Luke 13:23-25 reminds us that many will seek to enter and will not be able, for the door will be shut. This is a sobering truth, and we must examine our hearts daily to ensure we are walking in the way of righteousness.
Father in Heaven, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking revelation, conviction, and repentance for ourselves and our children. Your Word tells us in Jeremiah 29:13, "You shall seek me, and find me, when you search for me with all your heart." Lord, we ask that You draw us and our children closer to You, that we may love You with all our hearts, souls, and minds, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:5 and affirmed by Jesus in Matthew 22:37. Holy Spirit, ignite within us a passion for Your presence, a hunger for Your Word, and a thirst for righteousness.
We recognize that true repentance is a gift from You, as Acts 11:18 tells us, "God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life." We ask that You grant us and our children this gift, that we may turn away from sin and turn toward You. Help us to walk in the light, as You are in the light, so that we may have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, Your Son, cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).
Lord, we pray for a generation that seeks You wholeheartedly. May our children grow up knowing You, loving You, and serving You with their whole being. Protect them from the lies of this world and the deceitfulness of sin. Equip us as parents, guardians, and mentors to guide them in Your ways, teaching them Your statutes and commands, as instructed in Deuteronomy 6:6-7.
We also lift up any areas in our lives that may be hindering our relationship with You. Search our hearts, O God, and know our thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in us, and lead us in the everlasting way (Psalm 139:23-24). If there is any sin we have not confessed, any idol we have not torn down, or any area where we have not surrendered to You, reveal it to us, Lord. Give us the strength and courage to repent and turn away from these things, that we may walk in freedom and holiness.
Father, we thank You for the precious gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). We acknowledge that it is only by the blood of Jesus that we have access to You, and it is only through faith in Him that we are made righteous. Help us to never take this gift for granted but to live our lives in a manner worthy of the calling we have received (Ephesians 4:1).
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, to whom be all glory, honor, and praise, now and forever. Amen.