Prayer of the Day

Lord, You know who I am praying about. You saw what they did. You know it was real. I am not here to pretend it didn't hurt.

But I have been carrying this too long, and it is heavier than they will ever know. The resentment I keep feeding does not touch them. It only lives in me, and it is a bad tenant.

So today, as an act of will and not of feeling, I choose to forgive. I hand this person and what they did over to You — the Judge who sees everything and gets everything right. Justice is Yours now, not mine. I resign the job.

I may have to pray this again tomorrow. The hurt may knock again next week. Each time it does, help me open the door and hand it back to You.

And someday, Lord — I am not there yet — make me able to wish them well. Do in me what only You can do.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Father, here is my child, almost asleep. Of everything You've trusted me with, this is the one that makes me pray the hardest.

Watch over this child tonight. Keep their sleep sweet and their dreams kind. Let them wake up rested, ready to laugh.

Thank You for who You made them to be — for the questions they ask, the way they see things, the particular joy they carry into a room. I forget to be amazed. Tonight I remember.

Grow them up strong and gentle, Lord. Give them courage for a world I can't follow them into, and a faith that's truly their own, not borrowed from mine.

Forgive me for the ways I fell short as a parent today. Cover my gaps with Your grace — You have always been the better Father.

Hold them tonight, and hold them always, long after my arms can't reach.

In Jesus' name, Amen.