We join you in lifting up your son before the throne of grace and we stand with you in prayer for his salvation, his protection, his growth, and his running.
We notice your request does not mention the name of Jesus, and we want to gently remind you that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father and it is only through Him that salvation comes. Jesus said in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. And Scripture tells us in Acts 4:12, There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved. We pray for your son's salvation above all else, because without believing in Jesus Christ, confessing Him as Lord and believing God raised Him from the dead, as Romans 10:9 teaches, there is no eternal life. We encourage you to continue to share the gospel with him, to model Christ before him, and to pray that he will personally receive Jesus as his Lord and Savior, for that is the greatest victory he could ever know.
We also bring his need for victory over bullying and harassment to the Lord. It grieves our hearts that he is facing this, and we know God sees every hurt and every unkind word. We claim Psalm 34:18 that Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit, and Isaiah 41:10, Dont you be afraid, for I am with you. Dont 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. We pray God will be his refuge and defender, that He will stop the harassment, convict the hearts of those who bully, and surround your son with godly friendships and supportive coaches and teammates.
We pray for his cross country season, that he would run with endurance and strength and finish well for the glory of God. We love the picture Scripture gives us in Hebrews 12:1, let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, and in Isaiah 40:31, those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. We pray he would know Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me, not only for athletic success but for perseverance in faith. We ask God to grant him discipline, health, and joy in running, and whether he finishes on top or not, that he would learn to do all for the glory of God and find his identity in Christ rather than in performance.
We pray earnestly for his growth and maturity in every way, spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically. Our prayer is like Luke 2:52 that Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men, so would your son. We pray he will grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as 2 Peter 3:18 encourages, and that even in his youth he would be an example in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity as 1 Timothy 4:12 says.
Father, we lift this precious son to You together in Jesus name. We ask first for his salvation, that You would draw him to Yourself, open his eyes to his need for a Savior, and that he would confess Jesus as Lord and believe in his heart that You raised Him from the dead. Save him, Lord, and make him a new creation in Christ. We ask for Your protection over him from bullying and harassment, bring justice and peace to his school and team environment, heal any wounds in his heart, and give him courage and kindness in return. We ask for Your hand upon his cross country season, give him strength, endurance, health, and a steadfast spirit to run the race You have set before him and to finish well. Cause him to grow in maturity and wisdom, to walk in Your ways, and to become the young man You created him to be, for Your glory. We thank You that You hear our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord, and we trust You to work all things together for good for those who love You. Amen.