And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. Matthew 8:24

“I hate trying to have devotions with my family,” the young mom confided with tears in her eyes.

Humanity is broken. It’s a basic fact. The world struggles, besieged by natural disasters, cancer, heartache, malnutrition, prejudice, and on and on. There is good in the world, but even when we see good, we are prepared for the “other shoe” and the next news report of disaster. But what does all of this have to do with my marriage?

A pastor is a professional juggler. Not the kind who belongs to a three-ring circus. Just your average guy who wears countless hats: student of the Word, spiritual caregiver, sermon writer, shut-in visitor, service planner, administrative coordinator. And the list goes on and on.

“[The word amen] is nothing else than the word of undoubting faith, which does not pray on a dare but knows that God does not lie to him. . . . For He has promised to grant it.”  (Large Catechism, Part 3, Last Petition).

If you’re a church worker feeling guilty about taking a little break from daily duties—don’t. You’re human like the rest of us, and God created us to thrive in a balancing act of work and rest.

Thomas Edison reportedly tried to invent the light bulb 10,000 times before he found success. In reference to his long-awaited achievement, a reporter asked, “How did it feel to fail 10,000 times?”

There are no decorated evergreens, no greeting cards, no gifts, no poinsettias or lilies, no colored eggs, no chocolate bunnies, and no responsive salutation. There’s just a Thursday with an extra name: Ascension. It’s not just the world that has ignored the festival. The Church seems to have lost interest as well. Most congregations have elected to forgo a worship service on Ascension and those that cling to the tradition count on few to attend. Apparently, Ascension Day doesn’t matter.

We put together a list of prayers to be used for families, mothers, and fathers. God Himself chose these human relationships to describe the depth of His love for His people. Even God’s great plan of salvation is expressed not in individual terms but according to the ancient promise to Abraham: “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3, emphasis added). Whether families are big or small, rejoicing or mourning, our Father embraces the cares of His children.

Prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ with these Christmas midnight prayers.