Prayer for dads

Father, You told Your people to tear their hearts, not just their clothes. I know that verse. But I have to be honest — I am better at the outside part.

I am good at looking sorry. I can say the right words. I can make the right face. But that is not what You want. You want the real thing. You want my heart to actually break over the things I have done wrong.

There are places inside me that have gone numb. Places where I have protected myself from feeling how bad my sin really is. Soften those places, Father. Tear them open. Not for show. Not for anyone at this table to see. Just between me and You.

Where I have said sorry but not changed, change me. Where I have explained my way out instead of truly repenting, bring me back to real sorrow. I do not want to be a man who only looks sorry on the outside.

Lord Jesus, You receive the torn heart. That is what You are after. Make me that man. Not perfect. Just honest. Not performing. Just broken where it counts.

Amen.