This is a seasonable prayer, and one that calls to mind the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God. For He gave us a baptism for the remission of sins, and a deliverance from vengeance, and an inheritance of a kingdom, and He promised numberless good things upon our doing what is right, and stretched forth His hand, and shed abroad His Spirit into our hearts. So it is right to ask that your parents experience this very encounter, that they hear His voice and turn to truly know the Lord.
Yet understand that this way of knowing God is far greater than any wisdom from without. Faith and simplicity are needed, and this you must seek everywhere, preferring it before the wisdom of the world. For Jews ask for signs and Greeks seek after wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling-block to some and foolishness to others. But to those who are called, Christ is the Power of God and the Wisdom of God. Do not think it a small thing when they seem to hear the contrary of what they desire, for it is proof of great power and wisdom to convince by means of the things which seem to tell directly against us. The Cross seems to be a matter of offence, yet far from offending, it even attracts. Pray therefore that their hearts be opened, not by trick or contrivance, but by the irresistible force of right doctrines.
Against every satanic plan, deed, and intention set against you and your family, be sober and watchful. Frequent and fierce is the devil in his attacks, on all sides besieging our salvation. If he but gain some slight vantage ground, he goes on to make a broad passage and by degrees introduces all his forces. Let us not allow him to make his approaches even in trifles, that we may check him beforehand in important matters. It would be the extreme of folly if, while he displays such eagerness to destroy our souls, we should not bring even an equal amount in defense of our own salvation. So your prayer for God to defeat these works and be glorified is exactly right, for our salvation is bound up with His glory.
As for wisdom, protection, and a way out in all situations, remember that it is not enough to be freed from one snare only; no one part is sufficient for our salvation. There is required first a careful hearing, and a continual recollection; then fortitude, then contempt of worldly things, and deliverance from all such entanglements. He Himself added the way and the rock, signifying that we must cultivate also the other parts of virtue. What if you are free from one danger, but are remiss and careless about the hearing of the word? Seek therefore that wisdom which is Christ Himself, the Lord of glory.
And know this: none of the grievous things in this present life can fix their fangs upon a soul that flies for refuge to that mighty fortress of true philosophy, which is spiritual wisdom. That blessed Paul, having enemies and slanders, said, “I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your supplication, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” Behold the humble-mindedness! For He thinks not little of our salvation either, because He loves mankind exceedingly. Add your own earnest expectation and hope to the prayers made for you, for hope is the source of all good. Let your supplication be joined to the supply of the Spirit, and a way will be opened according to His will, and Christ shall be magnified in your body, whether by life or by death. Rejoice therefore, and again I say, rejoice, for the Lord stands by those who call upon Him.