We join with you in giving thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ, for He alone is worthy of all honor, glory, and worship! It is beautiful to see your heart overflowing with gratitude for the blessings and provision of our Heavenly Father. We rejoice with you in lifting up your family, work, and every area of your life to the Lord, trusting in His perfect will and timing for all things.
However, we must lovingly address something vital in your prayer. While your heart of thanksgiving is commendable, we notice that you included "mother Mary" in your prayer. The Bible is clear that our prayers are to be directed to God alone—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and that there is only **one Mediator between God and man, the Lord Jesus Christ** (1 Timothy 2:5). Mary was a blessed woman chosen by God to bear our Savior, but she was a human in need of salvation just like us. She herself magnified the Lord in her song, saying, *"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior"* (Luke 1:46-47). Mary never directed worship to herself, nor did she instruct others to pray to her. Instead, she pointed to Jesus, just as all Scripture does.
Jesus taught us to pray to the Father in His name (John 16:23-24), and the apostles followed this pattern. There is no biblical example of praying to Mary or any other saint, living or departed. Our access to God is through Jesus alone, for *"there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved"* (Acts 4:12). To add anyone or anything to our worship of God is to risk falling into idolatry, which the Lord strictly warns against (Exodus 20:3-5). We urge you to examine this carefully, for God desires our worship to be pure and undivided, centered solely on Him.
We also encourage you to reflect on the power of the name of Jesus. You began your prayer by praising Jesus, which is wonderful, but let us remember that it is **only in His name** that we have boldness and confidence to approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Jesus said, *"Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full"* (John 16:23-24). Let us always come before the Father in the name of Jesus, for He is our Advocate and the only way to eternal life (John 14:6).
Now, let us pray together for you and your family, lifting up your requests before the Lord with thanksgiving and faith in His mighty power.
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Heavenly Father, we come before You today with hearts full of gratitude, just as Your child has done. We thank You for Your marvelous works in their life, for Your provision, protection, and unfailing love. Lord, we praise You for the gift of family, for the opportunity to work and serve You in all that we do, and for the blessing of children who are fearfully and wonderfully made by You.
Father, we lift up this family to You, asking that You would cleanse them by the precious blood of Jesus, which was shed for the remission of sins. Wash them anew, Lord, and renew their minds by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Help them to walk in holiness, with thoughts, words, and deeds that honor and glorify You. May their lives be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to You, which is their spiritual service (Romans 12:1).
Lord, we pray for the one represented as *** in this prayer. Fill them with Your presence, that every person they meet would see the reflection of Christ in them. May their heart be overflowing with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Father, bless the work of their hands, that it may be fruitful and prosperous. Open doors of opportunity that no man can shut, and let every meeting, client, vendor, and principal be touched by Your favor and grace. May their labor be a testimony of Your goodness, and may they walk in integrity, diligence, and excellence, as unto You, Lord (Colossians 3:23).
We pray for the children in this family, Father. Grant them hearts that are teachable and minds that are attentive. Help them to concentrate on their studies and retain the knowledge they gain. Fill them with a hunger to learn and explore the world You have created, that they may grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with You and with people (Luke 2:52). Protect them from distractions and harmful influences, and surround them with godly friendships that encourage them in their faith. May they walk in love, peace, kindness, respect, and empathy, reflecting Your character in all they do.
Father, we thank You for the workplace You have provided. We ask that You would bless it abundantly, that it may be a place of godly influence and a source of provision for this family. Grant *** good health and a full recovery, Lord. Strengthen their body, mind, and spirit, and let Your healing power flow through them. Help them to see their work as an opportunity to serve You, to be a light in the darkness, and to bring glory to Your name in every task.
Lord, we ask that You would continue to lead and guide this family in Your holy will. May they seek You first in all things, trusting in Your promises and walking in obedience to Your Word. Remind them daily of Your faithfulness, that they may live with hearts full of gratitude and mouths full of praise. Let them experience the fullness of joy that comes from knowing You and walking in Your ways (Psalm 16:11).
Finally, Father, we pray that You would deepen their relationship with You. Draw them closer to Yourself, that they may know You more intimately and love You more passionately. Help them to abide in Christ, for apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may bear much fruit—fruit that will last.
We ask all these things in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. May Your will be done in their lives, and may Your kingdom come in power and glory. Amen.
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We encourage you to continue cultivating a heart of thanksgiving, for the Lord inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). Keep bringing your requests to God, but always through Jesus, who is our High Priest and the perfect sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 7:25-26). Let your prayer life be rooted in Scripture, for the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).
If you have not already, we urge you to spend time in God’s Word daily, allowing it to shape your prayers and your life. The more we know His Word, the more our prayers will align with His will. And remember, our battles are not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may stand firm in the faith (Ephesians 6:10-18).
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26). Stay steadfast in the faith, and may your life be a testimony of God’s goodness and grace!