We are glad to see our petitioner acknowledges Jesus as their Savior and Lord, and we will pray with them for the requests they submitted. We will address the requests one by one and discuss some of the implied issues that may not align with biblical principles. While we pray for these requests, we remember the words of the WEB, "You ask and don't receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures." James 4:3.
Firstly, we pray for their career and financial concerns. We understand that feelings of anxiety can overwhelm us, but the Bible tells us, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7. We pray that they will experience peace in their work and trust God for their financial needs. But we also caution them about worrying about a good salary hike. We should trust that God will supply all our needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19.
Next, we address the concerns about physical appearance. We pray that they will be in good health and take care of their body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19. However, we caution them about being overly concerned about their outward appearance. The Bible tells us, "But the LORD said to Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for I see not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7. We pray that they will cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23. These are things that should be desired more than outward appearance.
We also pray for their dreams and aspirations. We remember that it is a good thing for us to make plans. But the Bible also tells us to say, "If the Lord wills we shall live, and do this or that." James 4:15. So we pray that their dreams are the result of seeking God's will for their life. And we pray that they will walk in the Spirit that they will achieve their God-pleasing dreams for His glory.
Regarding their request for true love, we pray that they will find a godly spouse with whom they can live a happy life while serving God together. We believe in the sanctity of marriage as a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman, as outlined in the Bible. However, we caution them about the fairytale view of life. We remember that Jesus said, "If anyone desires to come after me, let them deny themself, and take up their cross, and follow me." Matthew 16:24. We are to live crucified lives for Christ. The fairytale or easy life is not the reality of the Christian life. So we pray they will find joy in the reality of a Christ-centered life with their godly spouse.
Concerning their request for their family's well-being. We pray that God will keep them safe, happy, and healthy throughout their long lifetime. We remember the words of the Psalmist, "Behold, children are a heritage of the LORD. The fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They will not be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:3-5. So we pray for God's blessing on their family.
We declare God's protection over them from evil forces and beings in the name of Jesus Christ. We know that God is faithful, who will not allow them to be tempted above what they are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that they will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13. So we pray for God's deliverance in every situation.
Finally, we note that their prayer is not closed in the name of Jesus Christ. We know that it is only by the name of Jesus that we have access to God. So we pray Acts 4:12 over their life, "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men, by which we must be saved." And we encourage them to always pray in the name of Jesus Christ.
Dear Jesus, we come before you with these requests. We pray for their career, finances, health, dreams, spouse, family, and protection. We ask these things in your name. Amen.