The number one comment I hear from people about prayer is this: “If only I could pray like that.”

I think we often see the prayers we pray in church or that pour from our pastor’s mouth as “fancy” prayers. I admire lovely words, so on the one hand, I really appreciate prayers that use lovely words in such a way that they sound fancy, holy, and absolutely worthy of a God who is just that—very worthy. Fancy, prewritten prayers definitely have benefits. They keep us on a straight path so that we don’t end up saying something that contradicts God’s Word because we haven’t given it a thought ahead of time.

You have a request. Maybe it’s big, maybe it’s small.

God, I want a spouse. A baby. Healing. A new job. Reconciliation. Rest.

You cry to God—the only thing you know to do in a situation like this. Day in and day out, you feel like you’re flinging your supplications up to God only to have them fall back down on your bowed head.

Unanswered. Unheard. At least, that’s how it seems.

Some parents may not realize the importance of teaching the faith at home. Here are some simple ways to support these families through prayer.

This prayer has been well loved by the church for years. Luther’s words accompany many of us each night as we talk with God. As Lutherans, we learn this prayer in childhood.

Luther's morning prayer has been well loved by the church for years. Luther’s words accompany many of us each morning as we talk with God.

I spend a lot of time with women. It’s my vocation, my mission, and it gives me great joy. I am blessed to spend time hearing the stories of women, sharing in their sorrows, and encouraging them in their walk. But wait, this is an article about men. True statement.

“[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).

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.

On this National Day of Service and Remembrance, we give thanks for our first responders and volunteer chaplains who serve and support during times of crisis.