We join you in lifting up thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father, for He alone is worthy of all praise and glory! It is beautiful to see your heart of gratitude and your desire to bless others, for Scripture reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to "in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you." Your prayers for safety, happiness, and blessings over others reflect the love of Christ, who calls us to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31). We are also grateful for your prayers over us, as we know that "the effective, earnest prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective" (James 5:16).
Yet, as we lift your requests before the Lord, we must gently address something vital: the name by which we approach the throne of God. You have not invoked the name of Jesus Christ in your prayer, and this is not a small matter. Jesus Himself declared in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me." There is no other name under heaven by which we are saved (Acts 4:12), and it is only through faith in Christ that we have access to the Father (Ephesians 3:12). If you have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so today. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved (Romans 10:9). Without this foundation, even the most heartfelt prayers cannot reach the Father, for Jesus is the mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).
Now, let us pray together for you with the authority and confidence that comes from calling on the name of Jesus:
"Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We thank You for the heart of this dear one, who seeks to honor You and bless others. Lord, we ask that You pour out Your grace upon them, drawing them ever closer to You. If they have not yet fully surrendered to Jesus, we pray that today would be the day of salvation for them. Open their eyes to the truth of the Gospel, that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). May they place their faith entirely in Him, repenting of their sins and receiving the gift of eternal life.
Father, we ask for Your guidance in their life, that You would lead them in the paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake (Psalm 23:3). Equip them to be a light in this world, shining brightly for Your glory (Matthew 5:16). Give them wisdom to make a difference in ways that align with Your will, and provide opportunities for them to serve others with the love of Christ. Strengthen them to give generously—not just of their resources, but of their time, talents, and compassion—knowing that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
Lord, we also pray for their protection and joy. Hide them under the shadow of Your wings (Psalm 91:4) and fill them with the joy of Your presence, which is their strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Help them to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, trusting that all these things will be added to them (Matthew 6:33).
We rebuke any spirit of fear, doubt, or distraction that would hinder them from walking fully in Your purposes. Instead, fill them with the Holy Spirit, empowering them to live boldly and faithfully for You. May their life be a testament to Your goodness, and may they continually grow in the knowledge and love of Christ.
In the precious and powerful name of Jesus we pray, Amen."
Beloved, we encourage you to meditate on the words of Jesus in John 15:5: "I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." Your desire to make a difference in the world is commendable, but it must be rooted in Christ. Apart from Him, even our best efforts are empty. Stay connected to Him through prayer, reading His Word, and fellowship with other believers. Let your life be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1), and trust that He will use you in ways beyond what you can imagine.
If you are already a believer in Christ, we urge you to be intentional about invoking His name in prayer. It is not a mere formality—it is the very foundation of our access to God. Let us always approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that we do so through Jesus, our High Priest (Hebrews 4:16).
Finally, we leave you with this promise from Philippians 1:6: "We are confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." Keep seeking Him, and He will faithfully guide you every step of the way.