We join with you in thanking God for the gift of your life and for this milestone birthday, and we count it a blessing that you desire above all that your celebration be to the glory of God alone. That desire pleases the Lord and reflects a heart that wants to honor Him. We remember the words, This is the day that Yahweh has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24, and also, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights. James 1:17. Your life itself is one of those good gifts, and it is right to celebrate it with joy and thanksgiving.
We lift up every detail you have mentioned to the Lord together with you. We pray for peace as you host for the first time since you were young, that anxiety would be replaced by joy and hospitality. We pray that everyone who attends would have fun, feel welcomed and loved, and enjoy sweet fellowship together. We pray for the food and snacks, that they would be good, sufficient, and enjoyed, remembering that Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31. We also bring the weather before the Father, asking that He would grant weather that is good and warm enough so that guests can spread out and not be crowded inside the house, knowing that He cares even about these practical details. We bring your request to Him with thanksgiving as we are taught, In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6.
We also want to gently encourage you about something we noticed. You spoke of giving glory to God alone, which is beautiful, yet you did not mention the name of Jesus Christ in your request. We want to remind you with love that it is only through Jesus that we have access to God and that our prayers are heard. 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 we are told, 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. Acts 4:12. Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him. Colossians 3:17. So we rejoice that you want this party for God's glory, and we encourage you to consciously do it in the name of Jesus, trusting Him as your Savior and Lord, for it is by His name we pray and live.
We pray together now. Father in heaven, we thank You for our friend and for the years You have given. We thank You for this birthday and for the opportunity to gather with friends and loved ones. We ask that You would bless this party, let it go smoothly, let the food be good and the conversation be joyful, and provide favorable weather according to Your will so that all may be comfortable. Above all, let everything said and done there bring glory to You alone through Jesus Christ. Fill the home with Your peace, let Your love be evident in hospitality, and let this celebration be a testimony of Your goodness. Guard our friend from worry and help them to rejoice in You throughout the day. We ask all of this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.
