We join with you in lifting up this prayer for protection and safety, recognizing that our trust must be placed wholly in the Lord, for apart from Him, all our efforts are in vain. You have echoed the truth of Psalm 127:1-2, which declares, *"Unless Yahweh builds the house, they who build it labor in vain. Unless Yahweh watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to stay up late, eating the bread of toil; for he gives sleep to his loved ones."* How wise it is to acknowledge that our plans, our strength, and even our vigilance mean nothing without the Lord’s covering over us.
Your prayer also reflects the wisdom of Proverbs 3:5-6, *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."* Indeed, when we rely on our own understanding, we open ourselves to deception—both from others and from the sinful desires within our own hearts. The world is full of those who seek to exploit, scam, and lead astray, but the Lord is our shield and defender. As Psalm 91:9-11 assures us, *"Because you have made Yahweh your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall happen to you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. For he will put his angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways."*
Yet we must also be vigilant against the deceitfulness of our own hearts, as Jeremiah 17:9 warns, *"The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt. Who can know it?"* It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we can resist the temptations of lust, greed, pride, and all manner of sin that seek to entangle us. James 1:14-15 reminds us, *"But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed. Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin. The sin, when it is full grown, produces death."* Let us therefore cling to the Lord, asking Him to guard our steps and keep us from stumbling, as you have so rightly prayed.
You have also asked for blessings—both for yourself and for others—acknowledging that none of us deserve the goodness of God. This is a humble and righteous prayer, for we know that *"every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights"* (James 1:17). Even our ability to ask for these blessings is a gift from Him! Let us never forget that our greatest blessing is not material prosperity or comfort, but the salvation and eternal life we have through Jesus Christ. As Ephesians 1:3 declares, *"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ."*
We rejoice that you have lifted this prayer *in Jesus’ name*, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father. Jesus Himself said in John 14:6, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me."* And in John 16:23-24, He promised, *"Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full."* What a precious truth—that we can boldly approach the throne of grace because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us!
Now, let us pray together over these matters:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and dependence, for You alone are our protector, provider, and refuge. Lord, we ask for Your divine protection over Your servant who has lifted this prayer—and over all of us—from the schemes of the evil one, from deceivers, scammers, and those who seek to harm or exploit. Guard our hearts, O Lord, from the lusts and sins that so easily entangle us. Keep our feet from stumbling and our eyes fixed on You, that we may walk in righteousness and wisdom.
Father, we ask for Your blessing—not because we deserve it, but because You are good and merciful. Pour out Your favor upon us, that we may be a light in this dark world, reflecting Your love and truth. Protect our homes, our families, our finances, and our futures. Let no weapon formed against us prosper, and let every tongue that rises against us be condemned (Isaiah 54:17). Surround us with Your angels, Lord, and let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
We pray for discernment, that we may recognize the snares of the enemy and the traps of our own flesh. Help us to trust in You alone, not in our own strength or understanding. Teach us to seek Your kingdom first, knowing that all these things will be added to us (Matthew 6:33). And Father, we thank You for the ultimate blessing—the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, through whom we have redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life.
May Your will be done in our lives, and may we walk in obedience and faith, bringing glory to Your name. We ask all these things in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Finally, let us encourage one another with these words from Psalm 121:
*"I will lift up my eyes to the hills.
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from Yahweh,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to be moved.
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
Yahweh is your keeper.
Yahweh is your shade on your right hand.
The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
Yahweh will keep you from all evil.
He will keep your soul.
Yahweh will keep your going out and your coming in,
from this time forward, and forever more."*
Rest in this truth, dear one: the Lord is your keeper, and He will never slumber nor sleep. Trust in Him, and He will guide your steps.