This Mother's Prayer

While reading my Women’s Devotional Bible this morning, I read a devotion by Gloria Gather that got me to thinking about  my son whose birthday is next week.  In her devotion titled “I Wish You” Ms. Gaither referenced the third chapter of Ephesians after reflecting on her daughter’s college graduation party.  She had listened to her friends wishing her daughter success which caused her and her husband to discuss what they wished for their daughter.   They decided they wouldn’t wish wealth or notability for her.  Ms. Gaither said they would wish some sunshine, some rain, growth, vision and the ability to feel what those who are hurt or left out or lonely feel.  This drew them to the Book of Ephesians. 

My mind strayed back to my daughter’s wedding in October, 2008 when I quoted Paul’s prayers in Ephesians 1 and 3 in the commemorative bookmark given to her guests.  We asked Deanna’s guests to place the bookmark in their bibles and reference it in praying for Deanna and her husband. 

So as I think about the upcoming birthday for my married son who’s a soldier and father of three, I offer Paul’s same prayer for him.  Like the Gaithers, I’m not asking God to give Damian, my firstborn, wealth and notability. 

In this open letter to my son, Damian, I want you to know that for all of your birthdays: 

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people,  and His incomparably great power for us who believe.  I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Happy Birthday, Son.  Love, Mom