Week 2 | Day 1 | The Father’s Love for my Father

Command:

“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.”

Matthew 6:9-13

Read:

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:13-14 NIV

Reflect:

My father was a pretty great Dad! He was fun, but strict when he needed to be. He was kind, caring, and always there for our family. When I became a Christian, I was able to connect with my heavenly father, because of my earthly father’s example. I felt God’s love and care for me, as I did from my own father.

Unfortunately, my father was not a believer and very rarely attended church with us. Time flew by. My siblings and I grew up, married and had families of our own. My Dad was enjoying his golden years, when he received the awful news that he had Stage 4 lung cancer. He waited too long for any treatment that could save his life.  

My fear was that he would pass away without knowing Jesus. I prayed for a miracle that he would open his heart and become a believer. He was given 3 short months to live and time was running out. Our extended family gathered near him and waited. Our prayers were answered when my mother’s cousin traveled hundreds of miles to be by my Dad’s bedside. She asked him if he knew Jesus. My father responded with a quiet “yes”. This cousin was able to talk to him in a way that reached his heart. His eyes were opened to a present and future relationship with God. 

My heavenly Father loved and cared about my earthly father. He wanted to have a personal relationship with my father, just as God does with each of us. God remembers his children regardless of their age and circumstances. He knows our hearts and wants to be part of our lives.

React:

God loves us and cares about our struggles. You can be a “good” person, but that is not enough. We need a personal relationship with God. Is there someone in your life that is struggling with their faith? Can you pray that they would understand how much God loves them? 

Pray:

I want to open my heart to you. I desire to feel your love and compassion. I pray for your guidance and wisdom in my life.