Prayer for dads

Father, the Bible does not pretend grief is rare. It records loss without hiding it. That gives me permission to do the same.

This summer has carried real loss for people I love. A job gone. A parent getting weaker. A friendship that did not make it. I tend to be the steady one who handles things by managing. Make me the steady one who can mourn first, then act.

Help me be honest with You and with my wife about the weight I am carrying. Let the kids see their dad face sad things without falling apart. Faking calm all the time is not strength.

Lord Jesus, You wept at Lazarus's tomb even though You knew what would happen next. Teach me that order. Feel it. Name it. Then move. Give me a chance to do that with one piece of grief this week.

Amen.