Week 8 — Tuesday: Prayer That Transforms

Philippians 1:3-6 

When I was growing up, one of the images deeply embedded in my memory was of my father each morning sitting in a large rocking chair in our kitchen, reading his Bible and praying. My dad, despite being busy, still seemed to consider getting up early to be with Jesus a priority. 

I remember when I would go downstairs to eat breakfast, and he would already be there sitting quietly, Bible on his lap, praying. One morning I went over after he had gone and looked in his Bible and found a small card with a list of names on it. There were names of people I knew and some I didn’t know. I saw my name on that list, though it made very little impression at the time. 

Years later, I traveled to Minnesota for my parent’s anniversary, and while staying with them, I came downstairs and noticed my dad’s Bible open on the kitchen table. He had already spent time with Jesus. 

When I looked at his Bible, I found a newer card with a list of names on it. There again included in that list was my name. I realized at that moment that my dad, every morning for years, had been carrying me into the presence of Jesus with him. Much of God’s work in me results from my dad daily carrying me into God’s presence. 

Paul writes in Philippians 1:3-6 that he always is in prayer for the Philippians, knowing that God is completing His good work in them. My dad prayed for God’s good work to be completed in me as well, and I am grateful that he chose to rise each morning to take me into the presence of the Lord with him. 

—CONTRIBUTED BY JON BYRON—

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