Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer, nor His mercy from me! Psalm 66:19â20 NKJV ... Keep the evil one fa
5 DAYS OF SIMPLE PRAYER
A P O C K E T for
DADS
S A M P L E R ne w york times bestselling author
M A X L UCADO with
M A R K M Y NH E I R
DAY 1 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26 NKJV
Lord of all, you are the God of wonders. You are Jehovah-jireh, the Great Provider. I confess that I dwell too often on the worries of life. I wonder how I’m going to pay my bills, feed my family, and provide for their future. I carry the weight of these concerns and don’t always trust you as I should. I need to be reminded that you are truly the Great Provider and will faithfully meet our needs. Please meet my family’s needs today. Help each of them to remember and to be thankful for all the times you’ve taken care of us in the past, and help them to trust that you will do it again in the future. Thank you for meeting our needs in so many creative ways. I am grateful for your abundant blessings. In your Son’s holy name, amen.
DAY 2 But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer, nor His mercy from me! Psalm 66:19–20 NKJV
My heavenly Father, you listen to the cries of your people and give them comfort. You are the all-powerful Creator of the universe, who cares for his people. Lord, I have taken for granted the many times you have answered my prayers and comforted me as I poured out my heart to you. Thank you that not only do you desire to hear my prayers but you also answer them. Help me draw courage and confidence from my conversations with you. Remind my family that truly you do hear their every prayer and you do watch over them every second of every day. Help them learn to pray with grateful and sincere hearts. Thank you for loving us so much that you desire communication with us. What a blessing that I can talk with you about everything in my life. In Christ’s name, amen.
DAY 3 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 NKJV
Lord, who is like you, who sits on the throne of heaven? You are Lord of all. Yet you humble yourself to care for your creation. Forgive me for messing up and saying things I shouldn’t have to my wife and children. Help me measure my words today so I will speak love and encouragement to my family. Guide me to say only what is useful for building up others according to their needs, and keep me from saying anything hurtful or discouraging. Bring wisdom and kind thoughts to my children today. Help us create a positive and loving atmosphere in our home, and guide our words and actions. Thank you for the joy of fatherhood, for the children you have entrusted to me to raise and to lead. I love and appreciate the home you have given us. In your Son’s name, amen.
DAY 4 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. James 5:11 NKJV
Almighty God, all our days are known to you and were ordered before the world was formed. Your plan is always for our good and our redemption. Help me endure the struggles of trying to be a good father and provider. Guide us through any trials or difficulties we face, and use the ups and downs in life to strengthen us and keep us dependent on you. My family needs your blessing today. Guide their thoughts and attitudes, and help them bear their responsibilities and challenges. Let our family be committed to serving you and caring for each other. Thank you for walking with us and, at times, carrying us through the struggles in our lives. Thank you for loving my children enough to be the light for their paths in this world. In your name, amen.
DAY 5 My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways. Proverbs 23:26 NKJV
Lord, you dwell in the high and lofty place, and yet you have made us the object of your affection. Who can fathom the depth of your love? I love you, Lord, but help me love you more. Although I am an imperfect man, I desire to serve you and be used by you. Cleanse me and make me usable. Help me give my whole heart to you. Strengthen my desires to follow your ways. Bless my family and help them see your plan for their lives. Touch their hearts to love you and pursue you. Keep the evil one far away from them. Thank you for revealing yourself to me. I am so grateful that you chose to bring me into your kingdom. I will be forever thankful. In Jesus’ name, amen.
