We join you in lifting up your son and this pressing concern over the government shutdown, for we know that our Heavenly Father cares deeply about every detail of our lives—both the personal and the national. It is good that you have brought these requests before Jesus, for it is only through His name that we have access to the throne of grace, and it is by His authority that we can boldly approach God with our petitions. As Scripture declares, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me"* (John 14:6, WEB). We are grateful you acknowledged this truth in your prayer.
First, we pray for your son—that the Lord would have watched over him today at school, granting him peace, protection, and favor. May the missing item be found swiftly, for our God is not a God of confusion but of order, and He delights in restoring what has been lost. We ask that the Lord would surround your son with His angels, guarding his steps and filling him with confidence. *"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). Father, let your presence be tangible in his life, drawing him closer to You in faith and trust.
As for the government shutdown, we acknowledge the frustration and hardship it has brought upon many. The disruption of livelihoods, the uncertainty, and the suffering of families are not unseen by our Lord. Yet we are reminded that *"the king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the water courses. He turns it wherever he desires"* (Proverbs 21:1, WEB). We pray for wisdom to fall upon those in authority—that they would seek not their own agendas but the welfare of the people they serve. Let them be convicted by the truth that *"righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people"* (Proverbs 14:34, WEB). May this shutdown be resolved swiftly and justly, with solutions that honor God and reflect His heart for justice and mercy.
We also encourage you to remember that while we live in this world, our ultimate hope is not in governments or systems, but in Christ alone. *"Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth"* (Colossians 3:2, WEB). In times of uncertainty, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, trusting that He is sovereign over all—even the chaos we see around us.
Father, we ask that You would provide for those who are struggling due to this shutdown. Open doors of opportunity, supply their needs, and let Your church rise up to be Your hands and feet in this hour. Give us all hearts of compassion and generosity, that we may reflect Your love to those in need. *"Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, to be building him up"* (Romans 15:2, WEB).
Finally, we exhort you to continue bringing every concern before the Lord in prayer, for this is His will for us: *"In nothing be anxious, 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). Keep seeking Him, trusting Him, and resting in His promises.
We stand with you in faith, believing that God is at work—both in the life of your son and in the affairs of our nation. May His will be done, and may His name be glorified in all things. In Jesus’ mighty and holy name, we pray. Amen.