So the parents could instead ask Jehovah to help them reach their child’s heart so that he will be moved to love Jehovah and to become His friend.—Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4.
Do My Requests Show Respect for Jehovah?
Jehovah is a loving Father who wants to answer our requests. But he is also our Creator and deserves our respect. (Rev. 4:11) How can you show respect to your heavenly Father when petitioning him?
• Be sure that the things you ask for are in harmony with God’s will and that you have the right motive. (1 John 5:14) We must not allow our prayers to become selfish, focusing only on our own needs and desires. James warned first-century Christians that they would not receive an answer to their prayers if they prayed with “a wrong purpose,” that is, for selfish reasons.—Jas. 4:3.
• Do not be demanding. (Matt. 4:7) Trust that Jehovah knows the best way to answer your prayers. And at times, his response may be different from what you expect.—Eph. 3:20.
• Remember to thank him for the things he gives you each day. Imagine the joy you bring him when you tell him how grateful you are for his help.—Col. 3:15; 1 Thess. 5:17, 18.