And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:76–79 (ESV)
What more could we possibly want for our children, than for them to love Jesus more than anything or anyone else in the world? What other story would we write for them than a story of resting in your love, growing in your grace, and serving you with joy? The assurance of heaven will always top acceptance into Harvard. May the gospel always be our measure of success.
So we lift our children and grandchildren to you. For those who don’t know you yet, grant them a saving knowledge of Jesus. Make the gospel beautiful and irresistible to them. For those who do know you, take them into even greater intimacy with yourself. Refresh their faith, stir their affections for things above, and grant them the peace you alone give.
Our prayer for our children and grandchildren is the same one we offer for ourselves: Father, guide our hearts deeper into the wonder, riches, and habits of the gospel. Free us to live the gospel, and love to your glory, between the two Advents of Jesus—loving mercy, doing justice, and walking humbly with you. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ holy and loving name.