What a cry is this, ascending from the depths of a burdened spirit! It is the voice of one who has learned that there is no help but in the Lord, and no name given under heaven whereby we must be saved but the name of Jesus Christ. You shout to the Lord concerning things hidden, secrets of fathers and mothers, of your own soul, and of your brother's house. You ask, "Shall all that is kept secret be brought to light?" Yes, for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; His eyes are as a flame of fire, and all things are naked and open before Him. Yet remember, it is not the exposure you need fear if you fly to the mercy seat, but the covering that comes only by the blood of the Lamb. He has covered all our sin, hidden it from His own sight forever in the Atonement of Christ. Bring all those hidden things to Him in confession, and they shall be cast into the depths of the sea.
Your prayer leaps to the very heart of the Gospel: "Lord Jesus Christ, in Your name, help!" This is a prayer which is as a diamond, small yet of great value. It is the same cry as the woman of Canaan, "Lord, help me!" She was heard for her importunity, and so shall you be. Do not imagine that the Lord is unwilling. He is more ready to give than you are to ask. He says, "Whoever will, let him take the water of life freely." No secret burden, no family entanglement, no depth of need is beyond the reach of that free grace. Bring no price in your hand, no merit of your own, but come empty to Him who receives sinners.
Your plea for your mother and father, for your brother's household, is a token of that unselfish love which pleases the Lord. It is a great thing to be an intercessor for one's kin. You stand in the place where you may not only cry for yourself but agonize for your whole family. Remember, Jesus ever liveth to make intercession for His own, and His prayers are not empty words; they come from His very soul. He has prayed for all who will believe on Him, and He has prayed for those who are yet uncalled. So wrestle on! Let not your prayers foam away into mere noise, but let them be as the deep torrent cutting its channel through rock, earnest, believing, and persistent.
And you mention "services", the Lord's work, no doubt. Yes, cry mightily to the God of peace, that His face may shine upon every service and cause. But while you pray, do not neglect to do what lies in your power. The genuineness of prayer is proved by action. If you can speak a word for Christ to that father or mother, to that brother, do so with all tenderness. If your hands can minister to their need, let them be stretched out in love. Prayer and practice must kiss each other.
Know this: you are not alone in your agony. The Master Himself agonized in the garden, and He bids you share your burden with Him. And when it seems that answers tarry, bless God in the dark as well as in the light. Give thanks for all things, even the cutting things, the things that plague and vex. For the Lord will yet cause His face to shine upon your family; He will send revival to that household; He will bring those secret things into the light of His forgiving grace. Only believe. Christ's prayer for His people is invincible, and your poor prayer, nestled in His, shall avail much. Hold on to the hem of His garment, and He will make you and your household a monument of His mercy. So be it, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, so that I can trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. 
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