Day 17

Today's Quote

Mind how you pray. Make real business of it. Let it never be a dead formality . . . plead the promise . . . Believe you have the blessing, go . . . in full assurance . . . Go from your knees singing, the promise is fulfilled; your prayer will be answered . . . the strength [not length] of your prayer . . . wins . . . The strength lies in your faith in the promise.
- Spurgeon

INTERCEDE for the family social services department. Pray at an area where family life is under stress or even attack.

Prayer Exercise: If your father is still living, consider asking him to bless you! Tell him how much you love him. Bless him!

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PRAYING

. . . for courage to bless your children!

And Esau said to his father, "Have you only one blessing, my father? Bless me - me also, O my father!" And Esau lifted up his voice and wept (Genesis 27:38).

Abba! Only as adults do we realize our deep longing for the father's blessing. This irrepressible father hunger is a longing for more than any earthly father can give. It is a longing for You. Exiled and separated by the curse of sin, we long to rediscover the identity found only in union with You. We want to carry Your name with honor. Bless us, Father, Shower down Your love. Be near us. Our earthly fathers initiated us to rough and unpredictable playfulness. In their arms we first felt wonderful fear. They tossed us about in masculine ways. Let us again experience innocent intimacy with Your mighty power. Break us out of our box, out of the world's repressive mold. Free us to be who You created us to be. Move us to bless our children. You trace faith through generations. Watch over our children's children. Remember me, God, for my children's sake. As I bless them, I act for You. You have the greater blessing. I say the words, but You do the blessing. Let me live to bless my children. Let it be a sacred moment. Deep inside, let them hunger for that blessing. Give me courage to pronounce, "Beloved child, I am so proud of you. I bless you with the favor I have before God. May goodness and mercy stalk you, even overtake you. May your heavenly Father protect and direct you. May you sense His presence and walk in ways that qualify you for even greater favor. Child, be blessed." Amen.