I have a friend, Steve Elkins, whose music and Christian publications have blessed millions of people. However, he has worried ceaselessly about his own sons, who are very dear to me, too. We’ve frequently sought to encourage one another. He wrote this prayer one Sunday morning while I preached, and I’m grateful for his permission to share it here with you.
O gracious Father,
Our children wander, and we grieve and cry out for You to place angels ’round about them. Protect them. Cause them to see Your endless glory. Cause them to know that You and You alone are the one true God to be sought and honored.
By the power of the name of Christ Jesus, we do put Satan behind us; and we call on the name of the Lord, for You will save our children. They are beloved in Your sight.
Father, help us endure. Help us be patient. Help us to lean. Take away the doubt and discouragement. Relieve the sense of failure, for we assuredly know who the accuser is. Guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. And return to us those whom we love, yet bring them first to Yourself.
We love You, Lord, and remember that Your mercies are new every morning. The battle is not ours, but Yours, O Lord, Our eyes are on You.26.