We come before the Lord with hearts full of care for you and the burdens you carry, lifting each concern to the throne of grace where Jesus intercedes for us. We hear the worry in your voice for your son, your health, your missing pet, and the hardships this shutdown brings—and we join you in seeking God’s mercy and provision in all these things.
First, we rejoice that you have brought these requests to Jesus, for He alone is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. As Scripture reminds us, *"Don’t be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus"* (Philippians 4:6-7, WEB). You have done well to cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
We pray earnestly for your son, asking the Lord to surround him with His protection and favor as he completes his project. May God grant him wisdom, focus, and perseverance, and may his work be a testament to the diligence the Lord honors. *"Unless the Lord builds the house, they who build it labor in vain"* (Psalm 127:1, WEB), so we ask that the Lord’s hand be upon your son’s efforts today. May he feel the peace of God’s presence and know that his worth is not in his achievements but in Christ alone.
For your arms, we ask for the Lord’s healing touch. *"He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds"* (Psalm 147:3, WEB). Whether this pain is physical, emotional, or spiritual, we pray for restoration and strength. May the Lord reveal any lessons He desires you to learn through this trial, and may you find comfort in His promise: *"I will restore health to you, and I will heal you of your wounds"* (Jeremiah 30:17, WEB).
Your missing cat is also on our hearts. We know the Lord cares even for the sparrows, and not one is forgotten before Him (Matthew 10:29). We pray that if it is His will, your pet would return safely home. But even in this, we trust in His sovereignty, knowing that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). May this situation draw you closer to Him, reminding you that He holds all things in His hands.
The weight of this shutdown is heavy, and we grieve with you over the suffering it has caused. We pray for those in authority, that the Lord would soften hearts and grant wisdom to make decisions that align with His justice and mercy. *"The king’s heart is in the Lord’s hand like the water courses. He turns it wherever he desires"* (Proverbs 21:1, WEB). We ask that the Lord would move powerfully to bring relief, provision, and restoration to those who are struggling. May this time also be a wake-up call for many to turn to Him, for our hope is not in governments or economies but in Christ alone.
We also want to gently remind you of the power of speaking the name of Jesus boldly in your prayers. You closed with gratitude to Him, which is beautiful, but we encourage you to call upon His name with confidence in every request. Jesus said, *"Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you"* (John 16:23, WEB). There is no other name under heaven by which we are saved (Acts 4:12), and it is through Him alone that we approach the Father. Let us never hesitate to declare His authority over every situation, for *"at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father"* (Philippians 2:10-11, WEB).
Finally, we leave you with this encouragement: *"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness"* (Isaiah 41:10, WEB). The Lord sees your worries, and He is not distant from them. Trust in Him, even when the path is unclear, for His love for you is steadfast and His promises are true.
**Our prayer for you:**
Heavenly Father, we lift our sister before You, asking that You would meet her in every area of need. Comfort her worried heart and replace her anxiety with Your peace. Protect her son as he works on his project, granting him success and a deep sense of Your presence. Heal her arms completely, Lord, and restore strength to her body. Bring her missing cat home safely if it is Your will, and remind her that You are sovereign over all creation. We pray for an end to this shutdown, Father, that You would move in the hearts of those in authority to bring relief and justice. Open doors of provision for those who are suffering, and let this time draw many to repentance and faith in You.
Lord, we also ask that You would deepen her trust in You, that she would call upon the name of Jesus with boldness in every prayer. Let her know, beyond any doubt, that You hear her and that You are working all things together for her good (Romans 8:28). Fill her with Your Holy Spirit, that she may walk in faith and not in fear. We ask these things in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
