Dada’s Prayers: Part 4 (Ten Months Old)

Today I am incorporating a new practice Heather, David, and I have taken up over the last few weeks as we attempt to establish more of a bed-time routine. Along with picking up toys, making one last bottle, putting on pj’s and a new diaper, and reading a book or two, we say our prayers together. Heather enjoys beginning with the Lord’s Prayer to set our minds and remind ourselves of the kinds of things God encourages us to pray about. I have always loved how she instinctually reaches for my hand before we finish the first line. Here’s an example of the kind of prayer we share each night (modeled after St. Ignatius Loyola’s “Daily Examen” prayer). 

ACKNOWLEDGING HIS PRESENCE  
Father, thanks for being with us every step of the way. Thanks for being our Immanuel, our “God with us.” We felt You ever so close to us in all the details of today. The surprisingly warm and joyous sunshine was a treat I will never take for granted. Thanks for being with us as we walked the trail today.

THANKSGIVING
We sensed Your presence in the kindness of a friend helping us put up Christmas lights on our roof line. We thank You for the laughter and fun we had while we worked together. We thank You for the neighbor who dropped by and “inspected” our lights. I thank You that David both smiles at and brings smiles every time he sees someone. His light and joy are a gift so good that it could only come from You. 

OWNING MY EMOTIONS
Father, I confess that I have been impatient these last few days. I confess impatience with David, forgetting that he doesn’t develop everything perfectly or all at once. I confess my impatience with Heather and for failing to give her the benefit of the doubt. Father, teach me to always put the best possible construction on everything she says and does. Finally, I confess my impatience with myself and my ministry, that I want results yesterday, and that I seek Kingdom goals with worldly timetables. Remind me of all the farming parables on waiting. Remind me that You are the Lord of the Harvest. Teach me to pray for more laborers, and to pray that my heart might be willing to serve in Your harvest field, no matter the season or circumstance. 

ANTICIPATING TOMORROW
Heavenly Father, we know that You hold all things in Your hands, even our tomorrows. So, we trust all the things we worry about into Your hands, especially the health of those we love and care about. Deliver us from worry and remind us that not even sickness or death can separate us from those we love. Help us to live in hope, not fear, even when we face the painful reality of mourning the loss of a friend. Remind us of the Resurrection and remind us that death has no sting, that death doesn’t get the last word. Grant us Lord, a joy which surpasses all human understanding, and may Heather and I have half the child-like wonder, joy, and overflowing love that You shower on us through David every day. We will never be able to thank You enough for the amazing gift that he is. We pray all of this in the powerful name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.