Pocket Prayers for Dads: 40 Simple Prayers That Bring Strength and Faith

by Max Lucado

Overview

Dads need encouragement too. These 40 prayers will bring you strength.

Dads give us a lot. From their time and guidance, to their strength, protection and faith, Dads lead families in lots of little ways. They need encouragement too, and in Pocket Prayers for Dads, bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado shares 40 selected Scriptures and guided prayers to offer fathers a word of inspiration.

Pocket Prayers for Dads invites you on a journey into the heart of biblical prayer and unpacks the power in even the simplest prayers. These guided prayers to help you find not only peace and rest but also the direction and strength you need for today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780718078348
Publisher:	Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date:	03/08/2016
Sold by:	HarperCollins Publishing
Format:	eBook
Pages:	112
Sales rank:	855,708
File size:	727 KB

About the Author

Since entering the ministry in 1978, Max Lucado has served churches in Miami, Florida; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and San Antonio, Texas. He currently serves as the teaching minister of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. He is the recipient of the 2021 ECPA Pinnacle Award for his outstanding contribution to the publishing industry and society at large. He is America's bestselling inspirational author with more than 150 million products in print.

Visit his website at MaxLucado.com

Facebook.com/MaxLucado

Instagram.com/MaxLucado

Twitter.com/MaxLucado

Youtube.com/MaxLucadoOfficial

The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast

Read an Excerpt

Pocket Prayers for Dads

40 Simple Prayers that Bring Strength and Faith

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By Max Lucado, Mark Mynheir

Thomas Nelson

Copyright © 2016 Max Lucado
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-7180-7834-8

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CHAPTER 1

Prayers for Faith and Family

1

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10

Dear Lord, you are the strong tower, the mighty fortress for your people. No one can stand against you.

Remind me to run to you daily. All too often I rely on my own strength and think I'm the only one who can protect my family and keep them from difficult situations. I can't. Only you can. Help me have the faith to trust you for our protection and care.

As my family walks through this day, they need the physical and spiritual protection only you can provide. Please be the strong tower for them and guide them so they will not try to rely on themselves but on you alone.

Thank you, Lord, for being my protector and shield in times of trouble.

In your precious name I pray, amen.

2

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Heavenly Father, you are gracious and merciful. Only by your love and your Son's sacrifice on the cross am I saved. I need your help to fully understand this truth and live it out in my life. I want to follow you and never forget or take for granted that you gave your Son's life for mine. Help me each day to die a little more to the things that keep me from a right relationship with you. Help me walk in faith and set the example for my family.

Bless my family today. Help them live by faith and set their eyes on you alone for their salvation. Guide my children's hearts so they will walk with you every day.

Thank you for caring for me and my family and for the precious gift of your Son.

In Jesus' holy name, amen.

3

He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" Matthew 14:29–30

Almighty God, you are in control of all things. Even the power of nature rests squarely in your hands.

Many times I am just like Peter. I start out with good intentions to follow you but quickly get frightened or discouraged, and my faith wavers. I want to follow you without faltering, with power and confidence in you and your plan for my life. Strengthen my faith. Please guide me so that when the storms of life come, I will keep my eyes and my heart focused on you, and I will not fear or doubt.

I ask you to be with my family today through the storms, whether big or small. Teach them to look to you constantly and not to waver. Bless my home with the peace only you can bring.

Thank you for lifting us up in times of trouble and pain.

In your Son's name, amen.

4

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12–13 NIV

Father, you control our every circumstance, our every breath. Your power and majesty know no limits.

I sometimes struggle with being satisfied in my life. I find myself complaining about one thing or another, desiring what I don't have instead of being content with what I do have. Please heal me of this, and help me find true contentment in you and in the blessings you have given me.

Help my family not to chase after the things culture says they need in order to be fulfilled. Give them strength to resist the pull of the world. Guide the hearts of my family today that they will find their satisfaction in you alone.

Thank you for quenching our spiritual thirst and comforting our souls.

In Christ's name, amen.

5

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Thessalonians 5:18

Dear God, by your mighty word you can move mountains and create life. And yet, in your magnificent glory you still know me by name and watch carefully over me and my family.

Remind me today, Father, to give thanks for everything you do. I owe my life and my every breath to you. I find it so easy to walk through my day and take for granted all the miracles and gifts in my life. Please forgive me. Change my heart and my attitude.

Give my family a spirit of thankfulness today. Help them see the multitude of reasons they have to thank you in this day you have made.

Thank you, Lord, for my life and my family. Thank you for joy, peace, and provision. Thank you that we can tell others about you. And thank you for loving us.

In Jesus' name, amen.

6

They are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. Matthew 19:6

Heavenly Father, no evil can stand against you. The schemes of the Enemy have no power in your awesome presence. You are a shield and a rock for your people.

Protect my marriage. I am constantly bombarded with temptations, and there always seems to be some new wedge trying to force its way between my wife and me. Please pour out your love on our marriage so our promises to each other and to you remain unbroken. Keep the Enemy from getting strongholds in our relationship. Help me use my words and actions to strengthen our bond and never harm it.

Bless my wife today. Protect her, encourage her, and wrap your love around her. Help her focus on our relationship with each other and with you.

Thank you for my marriage. Thank you for caring about it more than I ever could. Thank you for giving me the strength to honor and cherish my wife.

In your Son's name, amen.

7

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10

Almighty Father, you are just and holy, the mighty God, the Eternal One.

Help me appreciate my wife more. She carries so much on her shoulders. She keeps our family going when I'm away, and she blesses me immensely when I'm home. I fear that I don't give her the love and respect I should. Please, Lord, grant me the heart to honor my wife and to show her and tell her how much she means to me and our family. Help me be the husband she needs, desires, and deserves.

Please guide my children today to appreciate their mother and surround her with love and encouragement. Lift my wife's spirits, and let her know how much she means to our family.

Thank you for the wonderful wife you have given me. She is truly a precious gift from you.

In Jesus' holy name, amen.

CHAPTER 2

Prayers for Courage and Strength

8

I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. Romans 1:16

Lord, by your name alone are people saved. Your unfailing love built the bridge from you to us. Your love conquers all.

Help me be bold with my faith and unashamed that I follow you so I will speak freely about you. Help me walk in courage and faith every day because my strength and dependence flow from the Holy Spirit. Provide opportunities for me to share your love with my friends and coworkers, and give me the heart to stand strong for you. Teach me how to be an example for my children.

Bless my family, Lord, so they will know you and will want to tell others about you. Give them an excitement and a deep joy in serving you. Fill our home with your strength and courage.

Thank you for strengthening our hearts and our resolve to follow you without apprehension or wavering.

In your Son's name, amen.

9

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:18

Dear God, you are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end of all things. You are worthy of all praise and honor.

Even though sometimes I feel so far away from you, help me know that you are always right here beside me. And help me to call on you in truth and to seek you with my whole heart. I'm thankful I'm not walking through this life without you.

Draw my family close to you today so they can feel your presence. Help my children learn to call on you always. Teach them to pray more and to rely on you.

Thank you for choosing to be with your creation and for loving us so much. I praise you for desiring a relationship with us.

In Jesus' name, amen.

10

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Father, you are the light of the world and the hope of all people. You strengthen those who follow you. You are our hope and our salvation!

Calm my fears and worries today. Help me stay focused on you and what's important in my life. I get caught up in worrying about small things that really don't matter, especially in view of your salvation. Help me rest in your promises and just trust you.

Light the way for my wife and children today. When they start to fret over daily concerns, remind them that you love them and watch over them at all times.

Thank you for keeping fear and worry from having a choke hold on our lives. I am so thankful you care about the small things as well as the large ones.

In your Son's name, amen.

11

"Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6

Father, by your Spirit the world was created and is sustained. By your Spirit you lead and guide your people. I praise your holy name.

As I face obstacles, fears, and temptations, please guide me to rely on you. Point me to scriptures that will give me the courage and strength to face the day. Give me a humble attitude so I will simply listen to you and follow your leading.

Direct my wife and children today. Show them your loving grace and wisdom. Protect them and give them peace as they learn to rely on you and not themselves.

Thank you for sending your Spirit to lead, comfort, and protect us. Thank you for loving my family more than I ever could.

In Jesus' name, amen.

12

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NIV

God, your peace surpasses all understanding, and your mercies are new every morning. Your majesty flows over all the earth.

Today I feel as if my troubles are about to overwhelm me. The world seems to be pressing in on all sides, and I feel trapped by worry and fear. Help me have your peace and your assurance that you have already overcome all my concerns. Forgive me for not trusting you as I should. Steady my faith.

Walk closely with my family today. Keep my children from being apprehensive or saddened by the obstacles in their lives. Wrap your arms around them, and calm their hearts so they aren't overcome by anxiety or dread.

Thank you that you have already defeated any future troubles so I don't have to be afraid. I am extremely thankful for the encouragement of your promises.

In your Son's name, amen.

13

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Dear God, you are great and mighty. You planned and purposed every moment of every life on earth. You know all and control all. You are Lord of all!

Remind me today that when unexpected, troublesome, or even painful things enter my life, you have allowed them for my benefit — to strengthen me. Help me to appreciate the difficulties and challenges and to have the proper attitude toward them.

As my children learn more about you and your ways, help them realize you want only good for them. Teach them to pray and walk with you through the good times and bad. Reinforce their faith today.

Thank you for weaving the events and circumstances in our lives to fit in your amazing plan. I am grateful that your plan includes my family.

In Christ's name, amen.

14

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

Lord, you are all-knowing and all-powerful. Heaven is your throne, and the earth is your footstool.

I wonder sometimes if I'm teaching my family about you like I should. Guide me to be a godly man so I can be the kind of father and husband you want me to be. Break down any barriers that keep me from being that man.

Show my children and my family that your ways are best. Create in them the desire to follow you so they will love you with all their hearts, all their minds, and all their souls.

I am so grateful I can come to you on behalf of my family. Thank you for carefully watching over them and leading them to you.

In your holy name, amen.

CHAPTER 3

Prayers for Leadership and Wisdom

15

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. John 13:3–5

Lord, despite having all the power and majesty of God, you still chose to be with your creation and even to serve us. Your love, mercy, and grace are beyond comprehension.

When I think of leading my family or others, please remind me of this scripture. Give me the heart of a servant leader. Humble my spirit so I will desire to serve as you served, to lead as you led. Keep me from thinking too highly of myself.

Let your humility pour onto my children, and guide them with your example. Don't let them become too focused on themselves and their wants and desires.

Thank you that you are so powerful and yet so gentle with your people. I am grateful that you show yourself to us in many different ways.

In Jesus' name, amen.

16

Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day. Psalm 25:4–5

God, your ways are wise and true. Your decrees breathe life into your people. You are a God who forever directs their steps.

I confess that I have not studied your Word as much as I should. I want to know you more and be led by you. I want to guide my family and run my home by your loving instructions. Give me the discipline to study your Word and the ears to hear your voice. Show me, Lord.

Open my children's eyes to you today. They are growing quickly. Before too long they will be off to college or on their own. Please capture their hearts now and walk with them through the rest of their lives.

Thank you for giving us your Word so we may know you. Thank you for protecting us from ourselves with your instructions.

In your holy name, amen.

17

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5–6

Heavenly Father, you are the same today, tomorrow, and forever. Your loving character and holiness are unchangeable.

I really struggle with trusting you in every aspect of my life. I constantly want to take control and work things out myself. Forgive me. Help me acknowledge you first and to look for your direction. I want to have your insight and wisdom in all I do.

Bless my wife and children today. As our family praises you together, direct our lives. Blaze a careful path for each of my children, and guide them along that path to you. Teach my wife to rely on you for all things.

I am so grateful for the wife and children you have given me. Thank you for your constant desire to gently direct our way.

In Christ's name, amen.

18

Do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

Almighty God, you hear my cries and comfort me. Your loving grace has wrapped itself around my heart. I am so blessed to be your child.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Pocket Prayers for Dads by Max Lucado, Mark Mynheir. Copyright © 2016 Max Lucado. Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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