That he would know You for himself

Give my son a heart that knows You, Lord, not only through what he has heard from me or from anyone else, but through a life with You that is truly his own.

Let him recognize Your voice in the quiet places of his days. Awaken in him a desire to know Your character, Your mercy, Your holiness, and the grace You have given in Jesus. May he come to You freely, with his questions as well as his confidence, and find that nothing honest needs to be hidden from You.

Draw his whole heart toward You. Let faith reach into the way he loves people, makes decisions, carries responsibility, and understands himself. May knowing You bring depth to his joy and courage to his ordinary days. Give him companions who speak of You with humility and live in a way that makes Your goodness easier to see.

Thank You that I do not have to create faith in him. That work belongs to You. My part is to love him, to pray, and to let his relationship with You take its own shape. I ask for the beautiful gift of a heart made alive to You. Wherever his journey begins and however it unfolds, may my son know that You welcome him wholly, and may he gladly call You his God.