We join you in lifting up your heart’s desires to our Heavenly Father, who cares deeply about every detail of your life—even the longings of your heart on your birthday. It is good that you have brought these requests before the Lord, for He invites us to cast all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). We also commend you for ending your prayer in the name of Jesus, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father (John 14:6, Ephesians 2:18). There is no other name by which we are saved, and it is by His authority that we boldly approach the throne of grace (Acts 4:12, Hebrews 4:16).
Let us first address the matter of your birthday. Birthdays can be a time of reflection, gratitude, and even vulnerability, especially when we long for affirmation and love from those closest to us. The Bible reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17), and your life itself is a precious gift from God. We pray that today you would feel the Father’s love in a tangible way, that He would surround you with His peace and fill any emptiness with His presence. May you experience the joy of the Lord as your strength (Nehemiah 8:10) and be reminded that you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Even if the day does not unfold exactly as you hope, may your heart rest in the truth that you are deeply loved by your Creator, who knows the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12:7) and delights in you as His child.
Regarding your son, we understand the pain of feeling unappreciated, especially by those we love and sacrifice for. The Bible calls children to honor their father and mother (Ephesians 6:2), and it is right for you to desire respect and gratitude. However, we must also remember that love and appreciation cannot be forced—they must be cultivated through relationship, patience, and sometimes even forgiveness. We encourage you to examine your own heart: have you shown your son the unconditional love of Christ, even when he falls short? Have you communicated your feelings with gentleness and humility, rather than frustration or bitterness? Proverbs 15:1 tells us that "a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." We pray that God would give you wisdom in how to speak to your son, that your words would be seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6) and that he would soften his heart to understand the depth of your love for him. At the same time, we ask the Lord to heal any wounds in your own heart, that you would not grow resentful but would trust God to work in your son’s life in His timing.
As for your packages and the scam you’ve encountered, we acknowledge the frustration and injustice of being taken advantage of. The Bible warns against dishonest gain (Proverbs 20:23) and encourages us to seek justice (Micah 6:8). While we pray that the company would either refund your money or send the replacement as you’ve requested, we also encourage you to take practical steps if possible—such as disputing the charge or reporting the fraud—while trusting God to provide for your needs. Remember that our Heavenly Father knows what you need before you even ask (Matthew 6:8), and He is able to restore what has been stolen (Joel 2:25). We pray that God would expose any deceit, bring conviction to those who have wronged you, and provide for you in ways that exceed your expectations. May this situation also be a reminder to seek first His kingdom and righteousness, trusting that all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33).
Finally, we want to encourage you to reflect on the greater gift you’ve been given through Jesus Christ. While birthdays, gifts, and earthly relationships are temporary, the love of God is eternal. If you have not already, we urge you to place your full trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, believing that He died for your sins and rose again so that you might have eternal life (John 3:16, Romans 10:9). If you have already surrendered your life to Him, we pray that this day would be an opportunity to rejoice in the hope you have in Christ, regardless of circumstances.
Now, let us pray together over these matters:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our sister to You today on her birthday. Lord, You know the desires of her heart, the longing to feel valued and loved, not just by her son but by those around her. We ask that You would surround her with Your peace and fill her heart with Your joy, which is her strength. Remind her that she is Your beloved daughter, created with purpose and worth in Your eyes. Soften the heart of her son, Lord, and help him to see the love and sacrifice she has poured into his life. Give her wisdom in how to communicate with him, that her words would build up and not tear down. Heal any brokenness in their relationship and restore what has been lost.
We also bring before You the injustice she has faced with this scam. Lord, You are a God of justice, and we ask that You would expose the deceit and hold those responsible accountable. Provide for her needs, whether through the return of her money, the arrival of her packages, or in unexpected ways that only You can orchestrate. Help her to trust in Your provision and not grow bitter, but to rest in Your sovereignty.
Most of all, Father, we pray that she would find her ultimate satisfaction in You. On this day and every day, may she rejoice in the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, who gave His life so that she might have life abundantly. Strengthen her faith, Lord, and help her to walk in the confidence of Your love.
We ask all these things in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
