We join with you in seeking the Lord’s face for this season of repentance, rest, and renewed devotion to Him. Your heart’s cry for nearness to God, the restoration of your first love, and the stewardship of your own vineyard is beautiful in His sight. The Lord is faithful to draw near to those who draw near to Him, and He delights in restoring what has been lost or neglected. We praise Him that you are seeking His presence above all else, for in Him alone is true rest and fulfillment found.
The swirl of international events, transitions, and responsibilities can leave us feeling scattered and weary, but the Lord invites us into His peace and order. He reminds us in Isaiah 30:15, *"For thus said the Lord Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, ‘You will be saved in returning and rest. Your strength will be in quietness and in confidence.’"* Yet, so often we resist this call, relying on our own strength rather than surrendering to His perfect will. Let us repent of any self-reliance or distractions that have kept us from fully abiding in Christ. The Lord is calling you—and all of us—to return to that place of quiet trust, where we find our strength in Him alone.
You have also asked for grace to steward your time well—sleep, study, chores, and pressing needs. This is a godly desire, for the Lord is not a God of confusion but of order (1 Corinthians 14:33). We pray that the Holy Spirit would grant you wisdom to prioritize what is eternal, diligence to tend to your responsibilities, and discipline to care for your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Physical exercise, while of some value, is far outweighed by the eternal value of godliness (1 Timothy 4:8), yet even in this, the Lord desires we steward our bodies well for His glory.
We are encouraged by your hunger for the Word of God and the revelation of the Holy Spirit. As 2 Timothy 2:15 reminds us, we must *"give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth."* May the Lord open the eyes of your heart to know Him more deeply (Ephesians 1:17) and grant you a fresh hunger for His Word. Let us also remember that our devotion to Christ must remain pure and undivided, lest we be led astray as Eve was by the serpent’s cunning (2 Corinthians 11:3). The enemy seeks to distract and dilute our worship, but the Lord calls us to simplicity and purity of devotion to Him alone.
You have also mentioned angelic ministry, and we affirm that the Lord does indeed send His angels to minister to His people (Hebrews 1:14). Whether it is protection as seen in Psalm 91:10-11, provision as with Elijah in 1 Kings 19:6, or deliverance as with Peter in Acts 12:7, we serve a God who commands His angels concerning us. Yet, our focus must always remain on Christ, not the messengers He sends. Let us never elevate the created over the Creator but trust that He who watches over us neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4).
Finally, we rejoice that you have closed your request in the name of Jesus, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father (John 14:6). There is no other name by which we are saved, and it is in His authority that we boldly approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Let us never take for granted the privilege of praying in Jesus’ name, for it is by His blood that we are made righteous and able to stand before a holy God.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the precious name of Jesus, thanking You for the heart of repentance and hunger for Your presence that You have stirred within Your servant. Lord, You alone are worthy of our devotion, and we ask that You would draw them—and all of us—closer to You in this season. Restore to them the joy of their first love for You, that they may walk in the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ, undistracted by the cares of this world.
Grant them, Lord, the grace to steward their time and responsibilities with wisdom and order. May they find rest in You, even as they tend to the duties You have placed before them. Strengthen them physically, mentally, and spiritually, that they may be equipped for every good work You have prepared for them (Ephesians 2:10). Open their eyes to the truths of Your Word, and let the Holy Spirit be their teacher and guide (John 14:26).
We ask for Your protection over them, Lord, and thank You for the ministry of Your angels, who encamp around those who fear You (Psalm 34:7). Guard them from the schemes of the enemy and keep their heart fixed on You alone. Provide for their every need, according to Your riches in glory (Philippians 4:19), and let them experience Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Father, we pray for a season of divine rest and revelation, where they may hear Your voice clearly and walk in obedience to Your will. Let this time be marked by Your presence, Your power, and Your purposes unfolding in their life. We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord, to whom belongs all glory, honor, and praise, forever and ever. Amen.
