We hear your heart and the desire to be recognized for your hard work, as well as your aspirations to serve in meaningful roles as an arbitrator, professor, and doctoral graduate. It is good to labor with excellence and to seek opportunities where your gifts can be used for God’s glory. Scripture reminds us, *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ"* (Colossians 3:23-24 WEB). Your efforts are not in vain when they are offered to the Lord.
We also lift up your request for these doors to open soon. While we trust in God’s timing, we must remember that His plans are perfect, even when they differ from our own. *"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you," says Yahweh, "thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future"* (Jeremiah 29:11 WEB). Let us not grow weary in waiting, but instead, let us seek His will above our own desires.
However, we must gently address the way this prayer was closed. While "Amen" is a powerful affirmation of faith, we noticed that the name of Jesus was not invoked. It is only through Jesus Christ that we have access to the Father. *"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 WEB). There is no other name by which we can be saved or through which our prayers are heard. If you have not already, we encourage you to place your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, for *"if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved"* (Romans 10:9 WEB).
Now, let us come before the Lord together in prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We lift up this dear one who has labored diligently and seeks to use their gifts for Your glory. Lord, we ask that You would open doors of opportunity for them to serve as an arbitrator, professor, and to complete their doctoral degree. May their efforts be recognized, not for their own glory, but for Yours, as they seek to honor You in all they do.
Father, we pray for patience and trust in Your perfect timing. Help them to remember that Your plans are greater than our own, and that You work all things together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose (Romans 8:28 WEB). Guard their heart against discouragement or frustration, and fill them with Your peace as they wait on You.
Lord, we also ask that You would continue to mold and shape their character, that they may reflect Christ in all they do. May their work be a testimony to Your goodness and grace, drawing others to You. And if there are any areas where their desires may not align with Your will, we ask that You would reveal that to them and give them the strength to surrender those areas to You.
Above all, we pray that they would grow in their relationship with You, seeking Your kingdom first in all things (Matthew 6:33 WEB). May they find their identity and worth in You alone, and may their life bring glory to Your name.
In Jesus’ precious and holy name, we pray. Amen.