”This is what the Lord says—he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. Some will say, ‘I belong to the Lord’; another will call themselves by the name of Jacob; still others will write on their hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ and will take the name Israel.” Isaiah 44:2-5
Dear heavenly Father, this portion of your Word greatly encourages us to pray for a wide array of people we love—especially members of our families. How we long for you to be gracious on behalf of our children, parents, siblings, extended families, and friends. Lord, there are so many for whom we carry deep longings, heartbreaking concerns, and heavy burdens.
For our children and siblings, parents and friends who don’t know you, Father, bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus. More than anything else, we long to hear them say, “I belong to the Lord.” Make the gospel clear and irresistible to them. Convict them of their great need, and convince them of your even greater provision in Jesus.
For family members and friends who are living foolish and destructive lives, do whatever it takes to save them from themselves, Father. We don’t judge them; we weep for them. We don’t throw rocks; we cry for mercy. Grant us strength to engage and stay present, when we’d rather give up on them; and wisdom to know what healthy boundaries look like.
For friends who love you deeply, but are living in hard stories of failing health, financial stress, marital meltdown, or spiritual disconnect, pour forth your life-giving Spirit, Father. Bring hope to the hopeless; kindness to the hardened; relief to the overwhelmed; wisdom to the confused; peace to the despairing.
Show us how to pray, how to love, how to wait. So very Amen we pray in Jesus’ matchless and merciful name.
