Tag: father

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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Prayers from the Prodigal (Part 4)

Forgiving Father,
Through the “lost” parables in Luke 15, we become aware of how radical your grace truly is. When I am on the receiving end of your compassion and see your capacity for forgiveness, it leaves me a changed man. To be freely welcomed and fully forgiven for all that I have ever done wrong is not only life-changing, but eternity-altering! With this as my reality, there is no place for bitterness or grudges against others when they sin against me. How can I possibly withhold forgiveness from anyone else while standing before a gracious Father who has not chosen to treat me that way? No, let my willingness to forgive others be a perfect reflection of your faithful willingness to forgive me. The world does not need more unmerciful servants, but more forgiving fathers. Help me to be one.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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Prayers from the Prodigal (Part 3)

Forgiving Father,
Through the “lost” parables in Luke 15, we become aware of how radical your grace truly is. Regardless of which son we identify with – the prodigal young son or the prideful older son – we need the same thing: the forgiving father. And in you, we have just that!

As we stumble our way through this life and press on toward our heavenly home, some naturally assume that rigid rules and the threat of a strict, stern disciplinarian are necessary to keep everyone on track. But yours is a better way! Your unconditional love, your open arms, your warm welcome – these are what draw sinners to you. Moreover, it is your heart for us – not the terror or fear we feel – that keeps us on the path of your righteousness to the open door that leads to eternal life. You paid a dear price to be able to forgive us again and again and again, and the sacrifice of your own Son is our only hope for being welcomed to our eternal home. Oh, how we need a forgiving Father! And there you are, always welcoming this lost-on-his-own son, with open arms and gushing with grace. Thank you!

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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Prayers from the Prodigal (Part 2)

Forgiving Father,
Through the “lost” parables in Luke 15, we become aware of how radical your grace truly is. The father’s compassionate patience toward his older son becomes even more real to us when our eyes are opened to see how often we are that older son. While grace is by definition undeserved, we cannot escape the notion that grace is for good people and not for bad people. In our own minds, we create a narrative in which we frame ourselves to be righteous, morally superior, and filled with good intentions. When we see grace extended to those who don’t have their act together like we do, we sulk and pout just as the older brother did.  

I confess to thinking so highly of myself and so little of others. Forgive me for failing to be honest when my acts of righteousness aren’t really out of loving gratitude for you, but rather to puff up myself and pad my own spiritual resumé. Strip me of my pride and lead me instead to rejoice every time your grace wins anyone over. Welcome this prideful sinner back again, as you have so many times before, with open arms and gushing with grace. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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Prayers from the Prodigal (Part 1)

Forgiving Father,
Through the “lost” parables in Luke 15, we become aware of how radical your grace truly is. The father’s compassionate welcome of his wayward younger son becomes even more real to us when our eyes are opened to see how often we are that younger son. Rather than finding joy and satisfaction being in the presence of his father, he chose to chase after material things. Rather than faithfully serving his father and family at home, he served himself and went his own way. 

I see myself in him so often! To have you is not enough – I deceive myself into thinking that the world has something that will satisfy me more, so I chase after this and that, only to end up empty-handed. I live for me rather than for you and my fellow believers and my neighbors in need. When I fall into these traps, turn me, like the younger son, away from it all and lead me to run back to you with a repentant heart. Welcome this selfish sinner back again, as you have so many times before, with open arms and gushing with grace. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For New Parents

Perfect Father,
The privilege of being a parent is a special blessing. When parenting for the first time, there are many questions and fears that new parents face. Address their fears with the assurance that they aren’t alone in raising their child(ren), and that you are not only the giver of the gift of children, but that you also provide the best guidance and direction in raising little ones. Shape their skills with your Word and empower them to carry out their responsibility with dedication and faithfulness. Through your Spirit, ensure that the Savior is central to their parenting, both for their own needs and the needs of their children.

Be with new fathers, especially those who are overwhelmed and feel at a loss when it comes to figuring out their role. Let them know how important it is for them to support and hold up their wives in this early season of parenting. Help them to take note of the ways they can step up and contribute around the household, so that new moms aren’t burdened by those responsibilities in addition to nurturing and caring for a newborn. Use this time for fathers to reflect on how they will take the lead in overseeing the spiritual care of their family. Raise up spiritually strong and confident fathers who are then equipped to raise spiritually strong sons and daughters. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.