You ask for many things: safety from temptation, health for yourself and your family, the protection of angels, success in your daily sales, a comfortable and wealthy life for your children, and provision for your old age. The Lord indeed welcomes our requests, but let us see how these desires stand in the light of His word.
You first pray to be kept from temptation. Remember the apostle’s assurance: God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). So do not think of temptation as a terror that can destroy you, as long as you cling to Christ. The truly fearful thing is not the presence of trial, but the absence of virtue. In all temptations, laugh at human things, for if God is your friend, though all men war against you, there is no harm. The strength of virtue is this: to live in safety, to stand superior to every terror, to enjoy a great calm even when the storm is vehement. This no emperor can secure for himself, but the one who follows after Christ possesses it in full abundance.
You long for your family to be kept from all harm and danger, and for angels to guard you. It is right to entrust our loved ones to God’s care. But learn from the saints: Daniel among the lions, the three children in the furnace, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in their many temptations. They were in the very midst of death, yet they did not despair. This is faith: when things turn out adversely, to believe that nothing adverse is done, but all things in due order. Were they not more truly safe, surrounded by flames and wild beasts, than many who lounge in silken beds but are devoured by inward passions? True security is not in walls or armies, but in a long-suffering soul that is anchored in God. Love is patient and kind; it is a great and spacious soul, which like a spark quenched in the deep sea, extinguishes every unexpected trouble and remains undisturbed.
You ask for daily sales to pay off debts faster. It is not wrong to seek an honest living and the relief of debt. But be on guard, lest covetousness creep in. Worldly lusts and the restless desire for more are, in Scripture, called idolatry. Look at the wealthy young man who came to Jesus: he was not a hypocrite, and the Lord loved him, yet his possessions held his heart so tightly that he walked away sorrowful. Our Lord Himself warns of the peril of riches, not because money is evil, but because it so easily enslaves the soul. If you are given more, use it as a steward, not an owner. Remember the parable of the forgiven servant who owed ten thousand talents, yet seized his fellow servant by the throat for a hundred pence. We owe God an immense debt, yet He forbears. As we hope for mercy, so must we extend mercy and hold wealth loosely.
You desire your children to be comfortable, wealthy, compassionate, and good citizens who help the community. This is a noble hope, yet it is often the way of the world to seek comfort first and virtue second. Teach your children to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, not just to avoid them but to hate and turn from them completely. Lead them to this holy Table, which is the sinews of the soul, the bond of our mind, the foundation of confidence, our hope and our life. A soul nourished by Christ will learn true compassion and kindness, not from abundance, but from love. If they become wealthy, let that wealth be a tool for service, not a fortress for pleasure. But pray even more that they may be rich toward God, possessing the long-suffering that is more secure than any strong city.
Finally, you think of saving for old age and helping others. This is prudent, but let your ultimate trust be in the Lord who has carried you from youth. The apostle Paul set out for Rome, knowing a voyage full of dangers, temptations, and plots awaited him, yet he was eager and ready-minded. He did not seek a safe retirement, but poured out his life for the gospel. Do not make worldly comfort your goal; make it your ambition to love God and neighbor with such vigor that, whether you have little or much, your soul is enlarged. Then, when old age comes, you will possess not just savings, but the treasure of a life hidden in Christ, which neither thief nor time can steal.
So bring these requests before God, but let your heart be transformed. Ask Him to grant you a long-suffering spirit, a faith that does not fear earthly ills, and a love that uses all things for the good of others and the glory of His name. Then, whatever befalls you, health or sickness, plenty or want, a long life or a swift homecoming, you will stand unshaken, for your true life is hid with Christ in God.