Vols To Virginia

Another son entered our family in 2015. Coming from a Tennessee family, he was drawn to Virginia for preparation as a highly skilled surgeon. And, by God’s providence, he was also on a road to start a life with our youngest girl. He was then and is now, as his name means, a gift of God!

Lord God, I ask that my TN son-in-law would be one who seeks diligently after You, to understand You, and to look first to You in all circumstances (Psalm 53:2). May he be like a flourishing green olive tree in God’s house, prosperous, enduring – deeply connected to and trusting in the Good Shepherd Who lays down His life for us (Psalm 52:8).

In the relentless demands of life, will You lead him to be still and really know that You are God (Psalm 46:10)? Be his rest, his energy, his motivation, his clarity. Will You supply him with good courage and the ability to walk evermore by faith rather than sight (2 Corinthians 5:6-9)?

Prepare my son-in-law’s mind for the requirements of the day and the unceasing calls for discernment and precise skill. Prepare his body to be strong and healthy so his journey through each day will be infused with grace, mercy and peace. Prepare his soul for life’s sorrows and joys, disappointments and celebrations, strengths in times of weakness, and ultimately the crown of life eternal.

Grant that he will be a curious and persistent disciple of Christ, always inquiring of the Lord answers to the many challenging questions of his heart and mind. May he be a compassionate husband and life partner, a wise father to his little girls, an attentive son, and a devoted friend. May he be an asset to his superiors, a support to his colleagues, and an encouragement to those he trains and leads.

In the midst of his life’s calling, will You generously give him abundant practical wisdom to detect problems, the keen imagination to consider solutions, and all the skills to apply remedies and save lives? At the same time, will you minimize the flood of demands that can easily overwhelm in such a consuming vocation? Will You make Your glory shine through the life-saving expertise You have given to this beloved son?

I pray Ephesians 3:14-19 over this son-in-law, that he will be strengthened by God’s Spirit in the inner man, so that he may be able to comprehend and know the love of Christ. Dear God, be my son-in-law’s Rock, Refuge, safety, guide, and leader. Give him broad shoulders and a deep heart. May his life always reflect Your love, joy, and kindness.

Amen.