Wildwood Assembly

Jesus invites us to approach God the way a child approaches his or her daddy. And how do children approach their daddies? When a five-year-old spots his father in the parking lot, how does he react? “Yippee!” was screamed by a red-headed boy wearing a Batman backpack. “Pop! Over here! Push me!” yelled by a boy wearing a Boston Red Sox cap who scooted straight to the swings.

Here’s what I didn’t hear: “Father, it is most gracious of thee to drive thy car to my place of education. Please know of my deep gratitude for your benevolence. For thou art splendid in thy attentive care and diligent in thy dedication.”

I heard kids who were happy to see their dads and eager to speak to him. God invites us to approach him in the same manner. What a relief!

Read more Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

A lot of guys need direction, meaning, and purpose for their lives but are struggling to find it. They hear what a man is NOT supposed to be but aren’t sure what they ARE supposed to be. Author and radio host Brant Hansen makes some brilliant observations about what women need men to be - and six key decisions men can make to set themselves apart from the rest. Alluding to the creation story, Brant encourages men to be “Keepers of the Garden” – secure, confident protectors, who are chasing after Christ.

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Jesus downplayed the importance of words in prayers. We tend to do the opposite—the more words the better. We emphasize the appropriate prayer language, the latest prayer trend, the holiest prayer terminology. Against all this emphasis on syllables and rituals, Jesus says in Matthew 6:7, “Don’t ramble like heathens who talk a lot.”

There’s no panel of angelic judges with numbered cards. “Wow, Lucado, that prayer was a ten. God will certainly hear you!” or “Oh, Lucado, you scored a two this morning. Go home and practice.” Prayers aren’t graded according to style. If prayer depends on how I pray, I’m sunk. But if the power of prayer depends on the One who hears the prayer, then I have hope.

Read more Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Financial expert Matt Bell shares biblical principles and practical tools for managing your money in a way that builds trust, peace, and purpose. From budgeting to car payments to long-term investments, you’ll discover how to make financial decisions that strengthen your faith and your marriage.

Receive a copy of Starting Strong and an audio download of "Unlock the Secrets to a Financially Secure Marriage" for your donation of any amount!

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Religious leaders loved to make theater out of their prayers. The show nauseated Jesus. In Matthew 6:6 he said, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who cannot be seen. Your Father can see what is done in secret, and he will reward you.”

The words surely stunned Jesus’ audience. The people were simple farmers and stonemasons.  They couldn’t enter the temple, but they could enter their closets. The point? He’s low on fancy, high on accessibility. You needn’t woo him with location or wow him with eloquence. It’s the power of a simple prayer.

Join me every day for four weeks to pray four minutes. A simple prayer. Then get ready to connect with God like never before.

Read more Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Financial expert Matt Bell shares biblical principles and practical tools for managing your money in a way that builds trust, peace, and purpose. From budgeting to car payments to long-term investments, you’ll discover how to make financial decisions that strengthen your faith and your marriage.

Receive a copy of Starting Strong and an audio download of "Unlock the Secrets to a Financially Secure Marriage" for your donation of any amount!

Get More Episode Resources 

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

In Matthew 6, Jesus prayed, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

A prayer that begins May I not view you as a distant father, but as one who has come to earth and understands the challenges and temptations of my life. Be near me today, whisper reminders that you’re close. My friends need you today as they make difficult decisions in their workplace and in their families. Show them you are closer than even their earthly fathers. Thank you for hearing me and listening to my pleas. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray this, amen.

Here’s my challenge for you: every day for four weeks, pray four minutes. Then get ready to connect with God like never before.

Read more Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Senator Tim Scott reflects on the powerful role of faith, personal responsibility, and America’s founding principles in shaping both his life and the nation’s story. Sharing his journey from a childhood in the segregated South to the U.S. Senate, Scott emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the importance of prayer and perseverance, and the progress America has made toward justice and equality. Through historical examples and personal insights, he underscores the need for unity around a shared moral foundation rooted in truth, the value of treating others with dignity and love—even amid disagreement—and the responsibility of Christians to live out their faith in the culture - one relationship at a time. The conversation closes with a hopeful vision for spiritual renewal, highlighting signs of revival across the country and encouraging believers to remain steadfast in faith as a source of hope for America’s future.

Receive a copy of One Nation Always Under God and an audio download of "Faith, Freedom, and the Future of America" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.

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Prayer really is simple. Resist the urge to complicate it. Don’t take pride in well-crafted prayers. Don’t apologize for incoherent prayers. No games, no cover-up, just be honest. Honest to God.

Climb into his lap, tell him everything that is on your heart. Or, tell him nothing at all. Just lift your heart to heaven and declare “Father, Daddy.”  Stress, fear, guilt, grief.  Demands on all sides. All we can summon is a plaintive, “Oh Father.” If so, that’s enough. Your Heavenly Father will wrap you in his arms.

Here’s my challenge for you: every day for four weeks, pray four minutes. Then get ready to connect with God like never before.

Read more Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Dannah Gresh unpacks the good and the bad aspects of the purity culture movement, speaking against legalism and shame without abandoning God’s design for sexuality. She shares about her experiences healing from sexual sin and equips women to live with sexual integrity.

Receive a copy of And the Bride Wore White and an audio download of "The Good, Bad, and the Holy of Purity Culture" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.

Get More Episode Resources 

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.