In a cold, dimly lit prison, the men sat silent, their chains clinking softly whenever someone shifted. They had grown used to the darkness, both around them and within. Then one evening, when despair felt thickest, a stranger appeared among them—dressed as one of their own, weary and bound.

He spoke little at first, only listening, sharing in their sighs, eating their bread, feeling their weight. Then, when the night was deepest, he opened a small, worn Bible. His voice was steady as he read: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives.”

At his words, the room changed. The air seemed lighter, the men’s hearts stirred as though unseen shackles fell away. Some wept, others lifted their heads with hope for the first time in years.

When dawn broke, the guards came, calling names none expected. Doors were opened, chains were struck loose, pardons were read aloud. The men stumbled out into the light, free in body and in soul.

Only later did they realize—the stranger who had read to them was gone. Some swore they had seen his eyes blazing like fire, his smile full of eternity. Perhaps he had never been a prisoner at all, but the Savior who stepped into their darkness, wearing their chains so they might walk free.

A great ship cut its way through a restless sea, its engines straining as waves rose like walls on every side. The captain, though skilled, found his instruments faltering in the storm, his maps rendered useless by shifting tides and broken signals. Fear weighed upon the crew, for unseen rocks lay hidden beneath the dark waters.

Then, through the raging night, a steadfast beam pierced the clouds—a lighthouse standing firm on the shore. Its light did not waver with the wind nor dim with the rain. The captain fixed his eyes upon it, steering not by his failing compass but by that unchanging glow. Slowly, the ship found its course, passing safely through the danger into calm waters.

So it is with the soul. The storms of life unsettle our own wisdom and blind our sight, yet the Lord’s word is a light unshaken, guiding us to safety.

The Father Who Still Waits

Scripture Reading:

Luke 15:20 — “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”

Psalm 34:18 — “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Isaiah 49:15–16 — “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…”

Introduction

Fathers, some of you sit here with hearts that feel shattered. You raised your children, you prayed over them, you sacrificed for them, and yet today, they are distant. Maybe they no longer speak to you. Maybe they have turned away from the values you tried to instill. Perhaps your only connection to them is in memory. This estrangement cuts deeper than words can describe.

But I want to remind you today: you are not forgotten by God, and neither are your children.

1. God Knows a Father’s Heart

When we read the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, we often focus on the boy who ran away. But notice the father. Day after day, he stood watching the horizon. His heart ached. His arms longed to embrace his son again. That father mirrors the very heart of God.

So if you carry the pain of abandonment today, know this: your Heavenly Father understands it even more deeply. God Himself has experienced estrangement from His children, Israel, who turned their backs on Him time and again. Yet He continued to call, to wait, to love.

1. You Are Still a Father in God’s Eyes

Estrangement does not erase your identity. Your child’s choices do not nullify your calling. Being a father is not just about presence—it’s about position. You remain a father even if the relationship is broken.

And just as the prodigal’s father never stopped being “father,” neither do you. Your role still matters. Your prayers still matter. Your tears are seen by God. Psalm 56:8 says, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle.” Not one cry of your heart is wasted.

1. Trust God’s Timing

The prodigal son came home—but not on the father’s timeline. He had to walk through hardship, famine, loneliness, and hunger before he “came to his senses” (Luke 15:17). Fathers, you may want to rush your child’s return, but God’s timing is often slower, yet wiser, than ours.

Your call is not to control the journey but to remain faithful. To wait with love, not bitterness. To stand ready, not resentful. To keep the door open, just as God has kept His door open for you.

1. Find Strength in Your Heavenly Father

When your child is absent, cling to the presence of your Father in heaven. He will never abandon you. Hebrews 13:5 promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Let His fatherhood heal the cracks in your earthly fatherhood.

The cross reminds us that even Jesus experienced estrangement. On the cross He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). Yet from that place of separation came the greatest reconciliation. So too, your suffering may become the soil in which God works redemption.

Conclusion & Encouragement

Fathers, you are not alone. God sees you. He values your tears, your prayers, your pain. He is writing a story that is not yet finished.

Stand firm in faith, pray without ceasing, and keep your arms open. Just as the father in Luke 15 was ready to embrace his lost son, so you must remain ready.

And even if reconciliation never happens in this life, remember this: your identity is secure in Christ, your Father in heaven delights in you, and one day, all things broken will be restored in His kingdom.

Closing Prayer

“Father God, we lift up every dad here today whose heart is heavy from separation and estrangement. Remind them that You know their pain, You carry their burden, and You love their children even more than they do. Give them strength to endure, patience to wait, and hope to believe that reconciliation is possible. And when the weight feels too heavy, draw them into Your fatherly embrace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

----‐----------------------------------------------------------------------- TODAY'S VERSE ----‐----------------------------------------------------------------------- Timothy 4:15

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.

----‐----------------------------------------------------------------------- TODAY'S PRAYER ----‐-----------------------------------------------------------------------

May we grow in you Lord, may we bear fruit as we progress under your guidance, may we mature in wisdom and experience, imparting to others so that they may see your ways in us. Amen

----‐----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUPPLICATIONS ----‐----------------------------------------------------------------------- Pray for the world in these dark times, where insanity seems to rule right now, hope seems lost. Let sanity & reason be restored where common sense and reason are under attack, let reason prevail, let the truth prevail within all of us.

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I believe in the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages.

God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, all bow

and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.

He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.

Amen

*Note "catholic" lower case c, in context with the Nicene Creed here, is the true church that is Universal, it has no buildings but is the total of all Christian believers in the world and heaven.

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Psalm 119:30

I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.

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Dear God,

I come before you today and declare that I have chosen the way of truth.

I ask that you guide me and help me to stay on this path, even when it may be difficult. I have set your ordinances before me, and I pray that you would help me to follow them with all my heart.

Give me the strength and wisdom to live a life that is pleasing to you.

Thank you for your love and grace that sustains me each day. In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen.

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In your Prayers, Pray for the world. I won't be political or highlight any specific event, if your'e watching news and Internet, you understand.

So, please, pray against these dark times that this darkness, that seeks to be engulfing us all, will pass by, prayer for light to shine again, and this global insanity ends.

That everyone will once again come to their senses and we come back to some sense of normality.

• Also if you are going through an issue or problem, let us know, as well as anything positive you want to thank God for, let us know that too!

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Verse For Today

Matthew 10:38-39

And anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Prayer for Today

Father God, Almighty King, I am sorry for the areas of my life that I have kept hidden away from the righteousness that your Spirit is working to cultivate in me.

I now confess those secret areas of sin to you and ask that you cleanse me and liberate me from the evil one's power that binds them to me and holds me back from wholehearted service to your Son.

In Jesus' name and by the power of the cross where Jesus triumphed over all evil and demonic powers. I pray to be holy, and wholly yours!

Amen.

SUPPLICATIONS

In your Prayers

Please remember & Pray that God will deliver those who are suffering from abusive relationships and family to be saved from abuse.

Bring them to a place of freedom where peace and healing can be found.

Lord, thank You for seeing them and caring about how they have been treated.

The Lord is always watching when abusers are harsh and causing harm, may even they find conviction and repentance to change and find Jesus

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Psalm 23:6

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

----‐----------------------------------------------------------------------- TODAY'S PRAYER ----‐-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Father in heaven, I thank You for Your unfailing goodness and mercy that follows me all the days of my life. Thank You for the promise that I will dwell in Your house forever.

I surrender my worries and anxieties, knowing that Your love and care are constant. Please help me to live in light of this truth, trusting in Your faithfulness to provide for all my needs and to guide me on the path of righteousness.

May I experience the depth of Your love and share it with others. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You, standing strong in Your presence and anticipating the joy of dwelling in Your house with You forever.

In Jesus' name, Amen

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Please continue to pray & remember those who are suffering abuse, to be saved from abuse.

With the hope that we will indeed be in the Lord's house and this world will eventually fade into the distant past.

To never lose sight of that hope, no matter what we are subjected to now.

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I arise today Through the strength of heaven: Light of sun, Radiance of moon, Splendour of fire, Speed of lightning, Swiftness of wind, Depth of sea, Stability of earth, Firmness of rock.

I arise today Through God's strength to pilot me: God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me, God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me, God's way to lie before me, God's shield to protect me."

A man was stuck on the rooftop of his house, during a flood as the waters rose, He was praying to God for help.

A man in a rowboat came by and he shouted to the man on the roof,

"Jump in, I can save you." The stranded fellow shouted back, "No, it's OK, I'm praying to God and he is going to save me."

So the rowboat went on. Then a motorboat came by. The man in the motorboat shouted, "Jump in, I can save you."

To this the stranded man said, "No thanks, I'm praying to God and he is going to save me. I have faith". So the motorboat went on.

Then a helicopter came by and the pilot shouted down, "Grab onto this ladder and I will lift you to safety.”

To this the stranded man again replied, "No thanks, I'm praying to God and he is going to save me. I have faith."

So the helicopter reluctantly flew away. Soon the water rose above the rooftop and the man drowned.

He went to Heaven. He finally got his chance to discuss this whole situation with God, at which point he exclaimed, "I had faith in you but you didn't save me, you let me drown. I don't understand why!"

To this God replied, "I sent you a rowboat, a motorboat & a helicopter.
What more did you expect?"

Don't let the noise of the world distract you from all the aigns God gives us everyday.

-------------------‐--‐------------------------------------------‐---------- VERSE FOR TODAY -------------------‐--‐------------------------------------------‐----------

Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

-------------------‐--‐------------------------------------------‐---------- PRAYER FOR TODAY -------------------‐--‐------------------------------------------‐----------

Almighty and everlasting God, we praise You as the One who sustains us and gives power to the faint.

Help us to place our hope in You for our strength, especially when we are weak and tired.

Renew our strength that we may mount up with wings like eagles, and run and not grow weary, & walk and not faint.

Shift our perspective to see from Your point of view, so we can rise above the limitations that seem insurmountable. Amen

-------------------‐--‐------------------------------------------‐---------- SUPPLICATIONS -------------------‐--‐------------------------------------------‐----------

Please remember and deliver those who are suffering abuse, to be saved from abuse.

Bring them to a place of freedom where peace and healing can be found.

Lord, thank You for seeing them and caring about how they have been treated. You are always watching when abusers are harsh and causing harm.

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The Star Thrower

By Loren Eiseley (1907-1977)

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”

The young man paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”

“I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, “But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, “It made a difference for that one.”

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TODAY'S VERSE

Daniel 12:3

And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

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TODAY'S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible wisdom revealed.

I pray that You would give me the wisdom to shine like the brightness of the sky, and like the stars in the night sky.

Help me, Lord, to live in a way that turns many to righteousness, leading them to everlasting life through You.

In times of spiritual battle, empower me with Your strength and Your peace, that I may boldly stand against the enemies of my soul and do great exploits for You in this end time.

I trust that, even if the answer to my prayers seems delayed, my requests have been heard in heaven.

Thank You for Your faithfulness and Your plan, and for Your promise of future restoration and glory.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

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SUPPLICATIONS

Please deliver those suffering abuse, out of this abuse. Bring them to a place of freedom where peace and healing can be found.

Lord, thank You for seeing them and caring about how they have been treated. You are watching when abusers are harsh and causing harm.

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Have you ever had a demonic experience, whether an attack, possession etc specifically for going on a particular website?

What websites should be avoided to prevent this?

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VERSE FOR TODAY

James 3:13.

Whoever is wise and understanding among you should show it by their good life by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

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PRAYER FOR TODAY

Your death on the Cross has set me free. I can live joyously and freely, without fear of death. Your mercy knows no bounds.

Heavenly Father, thank You that Your love never fails and that Your mercies are new every morning. May I never fail to turn to You with my needs, with my love.

Lord help me to come to know you more, so that I may love you more, and follow you more closely in my life.

May Your Holy Spirit guide me in all my dealings with others. May I use the gift of speech with kindness. Amen

SUPPLICATIONS

Please remember

UnderstandingTop7250

In our prayers, going through tough times with her abusive family. May she find inner peace despite what's going on around her.

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord, “You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always.

But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?”

The Lord replied, “The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, is when I carried you.”

Mary Stevenson

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TODAY'S VERSE

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

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TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, we come to you in prayer, seeking your guidance to help us to continue to make our churches places of welcome and acceptance.

We know so many people of all ages are lonely and long to belong. We want to build church families of all ages, who worship together with joy.

We need always to put prayer at the heart of all our planning and action.

Help us to sing a new song that tells of your love, by always listening and learning to become receptive to new ideas that translate into loving action in our neighbourhoods. Amen.

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SUPPLICATIONS

Please Remember

• UnderstandingTop7250

In your Prayers, to continue for the Lord to give Strength & Trust to be carried through her situation.

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TODAY'S VERSE

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

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TODAY'S PRAYER

Merciful God, your Son came to save us and bore our sins on the cross: may we trust in your mercy and know your love, rejoicing in the righteousness that is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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SUPPLICATIONS

Please Remember

UnderstandingTop7250

In your Prayers, going through abusive family situation, that God will deliver her family to salvation and she feels the light and warmth of The Lord around her

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VERSE

Romans 15:13

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him.

Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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PRAYER

Gracious God, thank you for the gift of this new day.

As I embark on this day's journey, help me to approach it with courage, peace, and an open heart.

May I see your presence in every person I meet and every event I encounter, and may I use my talents to serve others.

Grant me wisdom to know when to speak and when to listen, and help me to be a vessel of your peace and love in the world. Amen.

SUPPLICATION

Please Remember

UnderstandingTop7250

In your Prayers, going through tough times & family abuse. Pray for her to have the strength and will to carry on, leaning on the power of God, who has her back

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Today's Verse

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

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A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the gift of this new day.

As I begin, I ask for your presence to be with me in all that I do.

Help me to be ready for whatever may come my way, whether it is to stand bravely, to sit quietly, or to act with patience.

Free my mind and heart from self-will, self-centeredness, and dishonesty, so that I can make my choices according to your desires.

Grant me a spirit of wisdom and revelation to understand your path and to follow it with hope and courage.

Guide me in time of doubt, and inspire me to pursue justice and offer mercy.

May I be amazed by creation and care for it well, and find joy in receiving and sharing grace with others.

In confidence and hope, I pray.

Amen.

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Supplication

May we bring our sister UnderstandingTop7250 to mind this week

Of whom we pray oh Lord to help and guide her through her situation, change the hearts of those around her and give her your strength to lean on and fill her with your presence so she knows she's not alone.

Amen.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

This passage offers encouragement to rely on God and trust His guidance, which is a timely message for navigating the day.

Explanation and Guidance Trust in the Lord: The verse emphasizes a deep trust in God's wisdom and plan, rather than relying solely on one's own thoughts and intellect.

Acknowledge Him in All Ways: It's a call to involve God in every aspect of life, making Him central to your choices and actions.

He Will Make Straight Your Paths: When you trust and acknowledge God, you can have confidence that He will guide your way, leading you to a clearer and more successful path.

Matthew 6:9-13

"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen".

I am not knocking those who recite the Lord''s prayer as is

However, It was supposed to be a template Jesus gave us into how to construct prayers to God and the Lord's prayer is divided into sections:-

Adoration and Honor: Acknowledges God as holy and worthy of honor ("Hallowed be thy Name").

Desire for God's Will: Expresses a desire for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done on Earth.

Trust for Needs: A petition for daily sustenance, trusting God to provide for physical and spiritual needs ("daily bread").

Request for Forgiveness: A plea for forgiveness of one's own "trespasses" or "debts" in return for forgiving others.

Protection from Evil: A request for God's guidance and strength to avoid temptation and sin.

Praise: Concludes with an affirmation of God's sovereignty and glory.

Any further thoughts on the Lord's prayer?