When Men Pray
Genesis 2:7 King James Version (KJV)
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
God breathed into the dust from the ground and created the first man Adam. The man was created to have authority over all living beings. Created in the image of God to do remarkable things.
Genesis 1:28 King James Version (KJV)
28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
The birth of humanity evoked Societal demands on men that require great sacrifice, many buried by the burden. Since 1910, the third Sunday of June recognizes Father’s commitment to their families. Time stands still for twenty-four hours to acknowledge their dark nights, swollen eyes, tears stained pillows, bruised, and battered hands, and head bulging veins. A moment in the year to thank fathers for their: love, comfort, joy, provision, protection, and the list goes on and on...
I sit to contemplate my father’s life, awestruck by his profound impact. The window of my soul recalls visions of him with a bowed head on bended knees in prayer. Humbled by what my heart discovers I weep. Twenty-seven years to experience the depths of a father’s love. I thought he was a giant with courage like a roaring lion. Tenacious, resilient, wise, dedicated, resolved, God-fearing, that was my father. His characteristics would create a sound foundation for his entire family and influence everyone around him.
Galatians 5:22-23 King James Version (KJV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such, there is no law.
Traces of his footsteps linger behind years after his death. This complicated world attempts to strangle the life out of all of us. These are the moments; I long to just see his face. I realize his life ended way too soon. Suddenly I hear his wisdom and, I know exactly what I should do to navigate the complexities of life. His silhouette kneeling in prayer lifts me from despair. I remind myself, he prayed everywhere. I have pictures in my mind's eye to replicate “kneel and pray.” My father’s humility before the Lord would become a defining truth for me. Indeed, it has been life-changing! Portraits of a father’s adoration for God gave me as a young girl reverence for Our Heavenly Father. His spiritual discipline of silent prayer taught me to bow down and worship God in prayer.
John 4:24 King James Version (KJV)
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
I proclaim that fathers' prayers will transform the lives of their children. My daughters’ father has the spiritual discipline of both inward and outward expressions of worship through prayer. He would lead his family in prayer verbally becoming a guiding light to follow. When he prays you feel like he is just having a conversation with God. Today my daughters model their father’s spiritual discipline of inward and outward prayer. A gift that will continue to bless them for years to come.
Philippians 4:6 King James Version (KJV)
6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
When Men Pray, something incredible happens. My father’s silent prayers made a significant difference in my life. Likewise, my daughters’ father’s spiritual discipline of inward and outward prayers is a guiding light that continuously transforms their lives. The greatest gift that we each received from our fathers is the joy of being led to Our Heavenly Father by our fathers’ prayers. Therefore, let me encourage you, fathers, all over the world, gift your children with your prayers. A gift that will continue to live forever.
Men, are you praying?
