Prayer of the Day

Lord, this is not a sprint, and I am tired of running.

Give me endurance — the plain, unglamorous strength that gets up each morning and simply continues.

I don't ask You to shorten the road. I ask You to lengthen my stride, deepen my breath, and keep my eyes on where we're going.

Daily bread was Your idea, Father. So I'll stop asking for a year's strength at once and just take today's portion, with thanks.

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.