Daily Scripture:
Matthew 19:13 Then children were brought to him so that he might lay his hands on them and pray for them, but the talmidim rebuked the people bringing them. 14 However, Yeshua said, “Let the children come to me, don’t stop them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 Then, after laying his hands on them, he went on his way. (Complete Jewish Bible).
Prayer Tip:
When we think about God, perhaps we think most frequently about strength and power. We think of a King, Creator, Lawgiver or Judge. All of those titles point to aspects of God, but when Jesus taught and prayed, he referred to God most frequently as “Father.” When his disciples asked him to teach them to pray, the prayer he taught them began, “Our Father.” This wasn’t a statement about God’s gender but a statement that God’s relationship to us is like that of a caring parent—a loving Father—to a child. When we describe God as Father, we recognize God’s relationship to us not as one who is indifferent or waiting for us to mess up but as a Father whose love for us has no bounds.
Today is an opportunity to give thanks for the father figures in our lives who have showed us the love of God the Father, whether they are biological fathers, step-fathers, foster fathers or men who were like fathers. And for those who have lost their fathers or whose fathers weren't a loving presence, it’s a reminder that we have a Father in heaven who shows compassion, mercy, grace and whose love for us unconditional.
Lord,
We give our thanks for the fathers in our lives. Today we remember the many sacrifices they have made for us and the ways—both big and small—they lifted us up to achieve dreams thought beyond reach.
So too, we remember all those who have helped fill the void when fathers have passed early or were absent—grandfathers and uncles, brothers and cousins, teachers, pastors and coaches. For those who are fathers, we ask for wisdom and humility in the face of the task of parenting. Give them the strength to do well by their children and by You.
In Your Holy name, O God, we pray. Amen (Tino Herrera, Congregational Care Pastor)
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Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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