Prayer for dads

Father, the psalmist once cried out because he had to live among people whose values were not his own. I feel some of that this week.

It is not big or dramatic. It is the slow wear of constant sarcasm at work. Constant outrage on the phone. A culture that treats my marriage and faith like they are strange.

Keep me from becoming bitter. I know the pull to pull away, to only be around people who think like me. But that is not my calling. You put me where I am for a reason.

Help me hold my ground without picking fights. Let me disagree without sneering. Let me stand for things without showing off. Make me the kind of man who, when he leaves the room, the people left behind say, He was not a jerk about it — but he clearly meant it.

Lord Jesus, You stayed in the world for our sake. Help me stay too. Give me grace and backbone in equal measure.

Amen.