A PERSONAL PRAYER
God,
I try to be a good dad. You know that. I am so grateful that I have such wonderful children. Thank you so much for that gift and that privilege. You know that fatherhood has been such an important part of my identity, of my sense of mission. It is the one thing that absolutely nobody else could do for me. Once you’re in, you can’t quit. So I do the best I can. And sometimes, it seems like enough. And sometimes, I know I fall short. Way short.
I see why you chose parenting as the image you chose for the relationship you have to us. Because in parenting, character is what matters. And we see your character, your incredible overall goodness and love, and that is what makes us want to be like you. It isn’t mannerisms, or hobbies, or personality, or lifestyle that are most important to pass on. It is character. I want my children to have integrity and compassion, confidence and humility, just like your son Jesus did. So I want to be like you, so maybe they will see you in me and grow to be more like you as well. God, forgive me when I fall so short, and take over my life so your character flows through me to my children.
God, I confess that sometimes, I make family an idol, and treat it as a god in and of itself. Jesus, when your mother and brothers came to see you, you reminded them that your disciples were your family. You said that you came to turn “‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law” (Matthew 10:35), explaining that a commitment to follow you is more important even then our highest values, such as family. You reminded the people of Israel that God blessed not just the children of Abraham, but the whole world as well. God, forgive me when I make a god out of family, and rearrange my values so that love and worship of you is the one thing that drives everything I do, including being a father.
In the name of the Son you gave for us, Jesus, I pray,
Amen.
PRAYER CALENDAR
Sunday, June 18
Dear God, thank you for getting me through a rough time recently. I know there will be more challenges ahead, but I know I can tackle anything because of your grace. Amen.
Monday, June 19
God is love! Jesus is with us everywhere we go. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. -Julia (age 4)
Tuesday, June 20
Dear God, pray for our nation’s Special Forces overseas. Give them strength and guidance protect them from every danger and keep them safe. Amen.
Wednesday, June 21
Dear God, we pray for all those struggling with depression and anxiety. Amen.
Thursday, June 22
Father God, be with those who are suffering because of illness and those who are in anguish or hurting. Remind them of your presence and power to heal their afflictions. Jesus, use us to be your hands and feet for those who need you. Amen.
Friday, June 23
Lord, I pray that you will be there for those experiencing transitions. Lord I pray that you will provide them with peace in the midst of potential stressors. Lord, I pray that you will surround them with a community of friends and family who genuinely love them. Amen.
Saturday, June 24
Loving God, we pray that you bestow your peace upon us and bring joy to our lives. Help us to find that peace in the hard times and that joy in the good times. Amen.
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