Prayer of the Day

Father, I open my hands.

Everything I'm gripping this morning — my plans, my reputation, my people, the outcome I've already decided I need — I loosen my hold and lift it to You.

Not my will, but Yours. I've prayed those words before and taken them back by lunchtime. You know that about me, and You love me anyway. So I'll pray it again, today: not my will, but Yours.

Whatever You give today, help me receive it. Whatever You take away, help me release it. Whatever You delay, help me wait for it without sulking.

I'd rather be in Your will with empty hands than outside of it holding everything I ever wanted.

Have Your way in me today, Lord.

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.