Author: Tim Challies

One of the most important habits you can develop is the habit of accepting that life is full of disappointments. One of the best ways to grow in contentment is to accept the inevitability of discontentment. One of the ways you can be most joyful in life is to be realistic about life, to know that the people in it will so often fail to meet your expectations. Having admitted all of this, you can embrace it as the way life is and even the way God means for it to be.See AlsoA La Carte (December 27)Stop Calling Everything HateHow To Make A New Year’s Resolution That Sticks

Every father knows the importance of praying for his children. Yet every father also knows that at times it can be difficult to know what to pray. I recently found a sweet prayer in an old book and thought I would share it with you, dad, so you can pray it for your son. Take the words and make them your own, perhaps especially these: “Help me to help this boy of mine.” Father, today I bring to TheeThis boy of mine whom Thou hast made;In everything he looks to me;In turn I look to Thee for aid. He knows not all that is before;He little dreams of hidden snares;He holds my hand, and o’er and o’erI find myself beset with fears. Father, as this boy looks up to meFor guidance, and my help implores,I bring him now in prayer to Thee;He trusts my strength and I trust Yours. Hold Thou my hand as I hold his,And so guide that I may guide;Teach me, Lord, that I may teach,And keep me free from foolish pride. Help me to help this boy of mine,To be to him a father true;Hold me, Lord, for everything,As fast I hold my boy for You. This poetic prayer was attributed to Mouzon Brabham. If you find you enjoy praying poetically, please consider my book Pilgrim Prayers.See AlsoHave You Ever Tried Praying Poetically?Together We Pray 2024Seven Ways To Pray for Your Prayer Life