Today my second nephew was born 7lbs, 12oz and about 21 inches long with probably the biggest feet you’ve ever seen on a newborn. My sister went through it like a trooper, with only a few hours of labor and less than 2 minutes of actual pushing. She’s seriously a pro.

The name William Joseph Wellons is in tribute to my Father (Joseph) and my grandfather (William). As is the tradition in the Wellons family, the new baby will go by his middle name,  Joseph. Or, if I get my way, Joey.

So, as is my tradition, here is my prayer for my new nephew on his 0st birthday.

Jesus, I pray today for my new nephew, William Joseph Wellons. Born today to parents, Theresa and Chris, who love him and love you. Jesus, first and foremost, I pray for that your glory would be highlighted and amplified in Theresa and Chris’ love for their new son. I pray that your glory would be obvious in ever breath than Joseph takes, and every confused, hungry and tired cry that he utters.

Jesus, I pray for Theresa and Chris, as parents new to raising multiple children. I pray that you would help them never to play favorites. Help them never to give love an attention to one child at the expense of another, but only at their own. Jesus I pray that you would calm their fears and anxieties. Give them faith to trust that you are in control and that you have a plan full of good things for this child. I pray that through difficulty and hardship, you would give them peace knowing that there is nothing that cannot be overcome when they trust you.

Jesus, a second child will undoubtedly strain and challenge Theresa and Chris’ marriage. I pray that you would help them to face those challenges with love for one another and love for you. Let them never vilify each other, or any of their children to achieve their own comfort. But help them to realize that their greatest calling on this earth is the children you have given them. And as you have given everything, help them also to give everything.

Jesus, I pray for Joseph’s older brother Stephen. I pray, that even as a toddler, you would give him a vision for his relationship with his new sibling. I pray that as the two of them grow, that you would give Stephen a drive to defend his younger brother in times of trouble, love and support him in times of sadness, and celebrate with him in times of achievement and happiness. I pray that you would knit these brothers together, not only to be brothers, but friends as well.

Finally Jesus, I pray for Joseph. Though he has spent only 12 hours outside of his mother’s womb, I pray that you would be his guide. I pray that you would feed and protect his soul. I pray that you would usher him into your family of redeemed people to be more than a happy, successful person, but a person so committed to knowing you and your glory that people cannot help  but notice you in him. Jesus, I pray that in his body, you would keep him safe, healthy and happy, until he is finally called home to fully realize all that you are.

Jesus, be great in the Wellons family. Greater than we can imagine.