Prayer for dads

Father, Hosea 14:4 says You will heal their turning away and love them freely. Freely is the word I keep tripping over. You love me without me having to negotiate the terms. Your healing is a gift I did not earn.

I have built so many hidden contracts in my mind. Pray well first, then receive grace. Stop the bad habit first, then come to You honestly. Fix my temper first. Be a better husband first, then believe I am loved. Your promise tears down every one of those contracts.

Tear them down in me. Let healing come first. Let Your love come free. Then let my obedience grow out of thankfulness, not out of debt. That is the good news. My old contracts were not.

Lord Jesus, You did not wait for me to be presentable. Heal the places where I have turned away. Love me freely again today. Then send me into my work and my family with the lightness of a man who is not trying to pay You back.

Amen.