We come before the throne of grace with hearts full of gratitude for the many blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us, our families, and our workplaces. It is right to give thanks to the Father for His marvelous works and steadfast love. However, we must address a few concerns in this prayer with love and truth, as Scripture instructs us to worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
First, we notice that this prayer invokes names not found in Scripture as objects of worship or intercession. The Bible is clear that there is only one mediator between God and man, the Lord Jesus Christ. "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). We are to pray to the Father in the name of Jesus, for He alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Mary, though blessed among women, is not to be prayed to or venerated as an intercessor, for she herself declared, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47). She looked to God as her Savior, just as we all must.
We also see the use of terms like "aba Father," which, while not inherently wrong, can sometimes be associated with unbiblical practices. We must ensure our prayers align with Scripture and not with traditions that may lead us astray. Jesus taught us to pray, "Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy" (Matthew 6:9). Let us keep our focus on the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the one true God.
Now, let us lift up this prayer with corrections and additions, aligning it with God’s Word:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your marvelous miracles in our lives, our families, and our workplaces. You are our Provider, our Savior, our Help, and our greatest Love. We praise You for guiding us and blessing us with all we need to do Your holy will. Father, we confess that we have sinned in our thoughts, words, and deeds, and we ask for Your forgiveness. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
Lord, we lift up ### to You, asking that You bless him with Your miraculous presence. May every moment of his life be filled with Your abundant blessings. We pray for his complete healing and recovery, that he may stand firm with strong feet, both physically and spiritually. "The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed. In his illness, You restore him to health" (Psalm 41:3).
Father, we also pray for our children, asking that You bless them with a vacation that is not only enjoyable but also draws them closer to You. May their memories be filled with joy and their hearts with gratitude for Your goodness. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17).
Lord, we thank You for our workplaces and ask that You grant us success in our careers so that we may fulfill Your holy will. Help us to work as unto You, not unto men, knowing that from You comes our reward (Colossians 3:23-24). May our lives bring glory to Your name in all that we do.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, for it is in His name alone that we have access to You. "Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son" (John 14:13). Thank You, Jesus, for Your love, Your sacrifice, and Your grace that sustains us each day. We love You, Lord, and we commit all these requests to You, trusting in Your perfect will. Amen.
