Your Monday Moment

YMM is a weekly prayer series for parents who need a moment. Sign up at gracebased.com/ymm to get these prayers in your inbox every Monday.----------------For parents who could use some “thank yous” Dear Parent, Raising children is truly Kingdom work, and it is far from easy. So today we send some “thank yous” your way in an effort to remind you of the God who sees you, knows you, and loves you, and who has been with you every step of this (often thankless) parenting journey.Thank you for saying yes to the life of another,for surrendering parts of your own storyand embracing sacrificial love. Thank you for the time, energy, and resources you have poured out for a child who, at the start, had nothing to offer you in return. Thank you for opening your heart to the devastating love of becoming a parent.  Thank you for waking up at 5 a.m. to warm the bottle,rock the baby, stir the oatmeal, and entertain the toddler.Thank you for cleaning up all the messes—for sweeping and wiping and washing your hands raw from the bodily fluids, sand and dirt, paint and glue, peanut butter and avocados. Thank you for preparing all the meals,for scheduling all the appointments,for thinking ahead to the next season’s needs,for buying new shoes and clothes (and often neglecting your own worn-out wardrobe),for taking care of sick kids even when you have also gotten the flu and could use some TLC yourself. Thank you for managing the endless carousel of dishes and laundry, changing the sheets and sorting the socks. Thank you for rescuing those tiny Lego pieces from under the couch, for walking the dog they begged you for,for stocking the pantry with each child's favorite snacks,for making holidays feel special and staying up late tobake a cake, clean the kitchen, wrap the presents. Thank you for putting your own wants on hold,for saying “no” to that job opportunity because it meant missing an important dance recital. And… thank you for saying “yes” to that other job opportunity because it meant payingsome bills and modeling the value of hard work. Thank you for ignoring the cultural pressuresthat prize appearances, wealth, and quick fixes—for listening to the voice of wisdom instead,valuing the eternal over the temporary,the heart of the child over mindless obedience. Thank you for shepherding the natural stubbornness of an adolescent when they think they know it all, for giving them space to groweven when it breaks your heart.Thank you for honoring their “aha” momentswithout pointing out… this is exactly what I’ve been trying to tell you for months. Through every season of parenting,thank you for the grace you’ve given them,the grace you’ve given yourself,and the way you believe and trust thatJesus is enough. He sees you, he knows you, he loves you. Family Connection Moment Consider an appreciation circle during a family dinner. Ask everyone to call out things they have recently appreciated about others, not to ask for applause or pats on the back, but to cultivate gratitude in all of you. Author: Alli R. Dahlgren------------Find us: www.gracebased.com

YMM is a weekly prayer series for parents who need a moment. Sign up at gracebased.com/ymm to get these prayers in your inbox every Monday.------------------A prayer for parental regret Merciful God,Certain phases of parenting have come and gone,and though I know regret is a waste of time,there are things I wish I’d done differently.Words I should or shouldn’t have said,choices I’d like to redo, help I wish I’d asked for,wise advice unheeded, anger untempered,frustration and fatigue I wish I’d handled with more maturity.Lord, I take a deep breath in your presence,acknowledging that all my regrets are in the past,and what is here now is your love and forgiveness. (pause and take some deep breaths) Cultivate in me the humility of an apprentice,so that every regret would feed the soilwhere patience, empathy, and wisdom grow. May I be quick to apologize, change course,or take that extra step in love when I feel like giving up.And may every mistake I am yet to makesoften my heart and deepen my dependence on your grace. Thank you that your mercies are new every morning,your faithfulness revealed in our weakness.And through it all, help me parent with this same approach—grace upon grace upon grace. Amen.---------------Alli R. Dahlgren find us and more resources at: www.gracebased.com

YMM is a weekly prayer series for parents who need a moment. Sign up at gracebased.com/ymm to get these prayers in your inbox every Monday.--------A Prayer for When Their Friends Don't Understand.Loving Father, My child is going through something none of their friends understand,and they are feeling alone. I know this kind of loneliness is part of being human. Sometimes it’s for simple reasonslike an interest no one we know shares.Other times it’s more complex:a disease or diagnosis, a family struggle, a mental health challenge, a loss.Regardless of today’s reason,my child is hurting,so I hurt too. I want to yell at the world to be kinder.I want to correct each misguided commentand protect their heart from the pain of being misunderstood.Yet I know the only thing I can controlis the way I show up for them in this ache,so I ask for the energy and insight to support them well.May our home be a soft landing place for their body and spirit to rest and recharge—to be held and seen and loved unconditionally.Father, you understand thembetter than they understand themselves,so I ask for your nearnessto be revealed in their lonely moments,comforting them with the knowledgethat they are beloved. Help us all remember that the reasonwe long to be known in the first place is because we are made for relationship—made to reach for you, our Creator. So I pray that this experience leads my child to your loving arms, to your eternal belonging,your unflinching embrace. Amen.written by:Alli R. DahlgrenFind us and free resources: www.gracebased.com

YMM is a weekly prayer series for parents who need a moment. Sign up at gracebased.com/ymm to get these prayers in your inbox every Monday.------------In Praise of Mud and the Freedom of Childhood:Father God,Spring is a season of color, new life, and mud. Lots of mud. There's a reason many family homes include a room named after this fact!I am not a farmer or homesteader, yet you wouldn’t know itby looking at our laundry pile.Rather than being frustrated by the perpetual mess, I praise you today, Lord,for the vitality and spirit of young children.I praise you for the way theysplash in puddles, dig in dirt, and stain every pair of pants with schoolyard grass: evidence of youth, of play, of freedom.May I never take for grantedthe safe spaces my children have to be young and carefree. I take a moment and ask for your mercy to fallon every child around the world growing up in areas of unrest—where this type of play is not safe or possible.Lord, have mercy. Every time I am temptedto wish the mess away, let it be a reminder of the many giftsmy children enjoy, and may I savor this season of young childhood while it lasts.Amen. -------------written by Alli Dalghrenproduced by Dan Gummel music by blue.sessions

YMM is a weekly prayer series for parents who need a moment. Sign up at gracebased.com/ymm to get these prayers in your inbox every Monday.--------A Prayer for Nurturing Our Kids Uniqueness. Creator God,Each child is bornwith such a unique fingerprint.From the time they firsthold up their headsto the day they choosesenior-year classes,we notice their specific strengths, weaknesses,and delightful quirks—and love watching them become the people you made them to be. We praise you, Father, for revealing uniqueaspects of your naturethrough so many different kinds of people! Help us be our children'sbiggest cheerleaders,fanning the flame of their early passions and dreams,and helping them learn the skills they will need to achieve their goals.As their young minds imaginewhat their adult lives will look like,help us refrain from squashing anything that seems unrealistic or difficult.The world is hard enoughon those daring to dream big,and we want our home to be a haven from any harsh critique.Keep us from projecting our own ambitions or expectations onto them,even when their interests and talentsare foreign to us.Help us instead teach themto value hard work and humility,so that regardless of their life path, they will be the kind of peoplethis world needs more of. In every stage of their becoming,I thank you, Lord, for the gift of being their parent.Amen. -----------FAMILY CONNECTION MOMENTIf your children have interests that are different from yours, ask questions about what they are passionate about and truly listen when they let you into their world. This will build trust between you and will mean so much to them!--------written by Alli Dalghrenproduced by Dan Gummel music by blue.sessions

YMM is a weekly prayer series for parents who need a moment. Sign up at gracebased.com/ymm to get these prayers in your inbox every Monday.-----------------A Prayer for Times of Doubt. Faithful God,Doubt is a healthy part of every faith journey, I know that.And whether it is a “dark night of the soul”,as many faithful Christianshave experienced,or a temporary cloudiness characterized by dull hopeand faded fire—I long to feel moved by your truth and beauty once again.I pray with my children,but my words feel hollow,and I struggle to answer the questions they ask about God and life. Help me remember thatwhat they need more than answersis my love and presence—open arms and a humble heart. So Lord, even when my heart feels confused or distant,would you keep me from closing off to my family, or to you? As we celebrate resurrection this upcoming Easter, help melean in close to those I love,allowing their faith to carry mewhen mine is frail. Alli R. Dahlgren--------Find us and free resources at: www.gracebased.com

YMM is a weekly prayer series for parents who need a moment. Sign up at gracebased.com/ymm to get these prayers in your inbox every Monday.----------A Prayer for Waking in the Night.Gentle Father,I have prayed to you between so many midnights and mornings,reaching for your company,asking for your help.I have awoken to crying babies, sick children,nightmares, accidents,and monsters under the bed.I have awoken to fire alarms beeping for batteries, rain drumming on windows—and loudest of all perhaps:to the sound of my own thoughts and fears. Did you ever wake in the night, Jesus? Did you ever find your mind treading water,your heart struggling to settle,your worries and questionsrising to the surface? Be near to me, Lord Christ,in this sleepless hour. When I awake to help a child,may I have the patience and compassion to love selflessly, even when every cell in my body is screaming for sleep. When I awake in a river of ruminations, may I bring my thoughts and fears to you in prayer, trusting that even in this quiet darkness,you are with me, and with my family.No matter the reason, here I am, Lord, awake and reaching for you again,listening for what you want to teach me in the night.May my heart be open,even now, to your gentle love.Amen.Connection Moment: Is there a song or hymn that calms you or your children? Next time you are up in the night with a child, try finding a song you can sing together to disarm fear, calm the nervous system, or simply lull back to sleep. Sometimes songs you would never think of as lullabies can do the trick! -------Written by Alli DalghrenProduced by Dan Gummel music by blue.sessions. Get more free resources at:  www.gracebased.com

YMM is a weekly prayer series for parents who need a moment. Sign up at gracebased.com/ymm to get these prayers in your inbox every Monday.A Prayer For When Parents Are Not on the Same Page.God of Peace,Raising children together is a partnership filled with immense joyand complicated struggles. At times our opinions, methods,and preferences feel too far apartto find common ground. We confess God: sometimes our selfish hearts caremore about being rightthan about being loving. Sometimes, in heated moments,we say hurtful things we don’t  mean.Forgive us, Lord. Would you soften our hearts toward each other?Would you give us insight into the other's point of view?May we remember that our childrenare watching—absorbing our tension,and witnessing our humility and forgiveness,as well as our bitterness and pride.We need your helpto love each other throughthe petty disagreements,as well as the fractures that feel harder to repair.In your mercy, Lord, may each “I’m sorry” become a doorway into a deeper love and respect for each other, and an example of grace for our kids. Help us find a way toward true partnershipso that our home might be a place characterized by the fruit of your Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Amen. Family Connection Moment: Consider what repair looks like in your family relationships. How do you as parents model apologies? If you find yourselves consistently disagreeing, take time to prioritize connection. If your marriage feels truly fractured, seek professional help. Investing in your marriage is a vital part of grace-filled parenting. ----------Find Us and More Free Resources"www.gracebased.com

YMM is a weekly prayer series for parents who need a moment. Sign up at gracebased.com/ymm to get these prayers in your inbox every Monday.------------------------A Prayer for Catastrophizing.Faithful God,My mind constantly swirls with “what ifs,”especially when it comes to my kids.I imagine the worst.I create narratives in my headof unlikely scenarios,as if by my anticipating worry,I can stop the worst from happening.But what if the worst never happens…and I’ve wasted all this time and energybeing worried? Jesus, I think of your words:“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”*I know you speak truth, Lord, so I release my worries to you today—from the small justifiable concerns,to the extreme catastrophes I imagine in my mind—I let them go.(pause here to take a deep breath and if you’d like, imagine letting go of each specific worry as it comes to you.)Father, who loves my kids more than I do,who created them in the womb,and numbers the hairs on their heads,forgive me for my lack of trust. Remind me of your promise:you will never leave usand never forsake us. No matter what comes,we are held in your hands. My kids are held in your hands. Continue to bring me back to this place, Lord,where I release my worries to youand hold on to your promises instead. Amen. Author: Alli R. DahlgrenFamily Connection Moment: During a bedtime goodnight, or a dinner table conversation, confess to your family that worry sometimes gets the better of you. Kids have worries too, and it helps to normalize this. Read them Jesus’ words from *Matthew 6:27 and see if that sparks thoughts, questions, or encouragements. ---------------Find Us: www.gracebased.com

YMM is a weekly prayer series for parents who need a moment. Sign up at gracebased.com/ymm to get these prayers in your inbox every Monday.-----------------A Prayer For When My Child Receives A Diagnosis.Good Father,I never expected to walk this road.Hearing the word “diagnosis” feels heavy.It changes things in ways I do not yet understand.There are appointments to schedule,new words to learn,specialists to meet,and a whole new world of informationI never thought I would need to know.Sometimes it all feels like too much.I feel scared and overwhelmed. The story I imagined for my child?Suddenly, it all looks so different.Help me remember that you are still the Author,and you never lose the pen.Write the next chapters of this storywith mercy and power,completing in us what you have started.Of course, we pray for miraculous healing,because we know you can,and we know you have before.So we ask for healing, Lord.But if you have us walk through this valley,we trust that you will walk with us.Help us sense your nearness in every appointment,every treatment, and every uncertain night.Open doors for resources, finances, and care.Give us wisdom in every decisionand surround us with love and support. Remind us to rest in your presence,So you can produce the fruit of your Spirit in us.We trust you will grow in us the fruit of longsuffering,But we pray that we will also experience, in equal measure,the powerful fruit of joy and peace.Amen.Author: Cheree HayesFamily Connection Moment:Now that appointments are part of your family’s life, invite your community to help create something joyful. Start a silly hat or t-shirt collection that is bright, funny, or full of character. During each appointment, you and your child can choose one to wear, bringing color and laughter into the waiting room and a new topic of conversation beyond the diagnosis.-------------find us: www.gracebased.com

YMM is a weekly prayer series for parents who need a moment. Sign up at gracebased.com/ymm to get these prayers in your inbox every Monday.------------------------A Prayer For A Sick Day. Creator God,You are the one who knit this child into being—fashioning cells and tissue to form this one of a kind personI have the honor of parenting.While their body battles internally through a miraculous web we call the immune system,may I have the patience and compassionto care for them well.Rather than seeing this as an inconvenience, help me see it as an opportunity to remind themhow much they are loved. Help us accept the change of plans and missed events with grace,and give us eyes to see tender moments when they arise. I can’t make antibodies, but I can make soup.I can’t heal, but I can comfort. Slow us down to appreciate the power of simple gifts: sleep, fluids, clean sheets.Thank you for the gift of medical professionals.Help me discern when to enlist their expertise,and when to let time and rest do their work.May this child heal fully,stronger than before and more equipped to handle the next wave of sicknesswhich will inevitably come.We look forward to the New Creation, when there will be no sickness or disease and our bodies will all be made new. Author: Alli R. DahlgrenAmenFamily connection moment: Take this opportunity to read some chapter books aloud with your younger child. For your older kids, pull out some of their favorite picture books from when they were little and enjoy revisiting them together.--------Find us and more free resources www.gracebased.com

YMM is a weekly prayer series for parents who need a moment. Sign up at gracebased.com/ymm to get these prayers in your inbox every Monday.-------------A Prayer for Seasons of Growth Steadfast God,I need your fatherly care in these days of change,for myself and for my children.Their changes are expansive and reaching,like load bearing walls being built on the foundation of who they are becoming.My changes are subtle and disorienting,like giving away clothes I no longer need,growing in humility more than stature. This dual stretching can sometimes feel exhausting,and I lack the strength I need to guide my children well. So again I find myself at your feet, Lord,asking for your wisdom, asking for your strength.Be the shepherd of our livesthrough these parallel seasons of growth.May we be a family characterized by love and grace in a volatile and frenetic culture.We need your gentle wisdomTo anchor our home, To anchor our hearts.When everything around and within us swirls and shakes,You, Lord, are steadfast and faithful. Our unchanging Father,trustworthy and wise in all you do. Amen.Family Connection Moment: Find a scripture that resonates with your family’s season and display it on the fridge, share it in a group text, or read it aloud as a family. Some suggestions include Psalm 46 and 139.Find Us: www.gracebased.com

YMM is a weekly prayer series for parents who need a moment. Sign up at gracebased.com/ymm to get these prayers in your inbox every Monday.-----------A Prayer for ContentmentGod of Good Gifts,Today, when my heart wanders to thoughts of more,return my gaze to the beauty of what I already have.Remind me of a time when I longedto be a parent. So much about today is yesterday's dream,and tomorrow is out of my hands.So, God of every good thing,help me live today fully present to the breath of a babythe giggle of a toddlerthe wide eyes of a growing childand the beautiful ache of an adolescent.When my thoughts swirl aroundthat vacation we can’t afford,the perfectly organized house we won’t attain,or that family who seems to have it all…may I remember what a waste of time it is to covet my neighbor, and forgive me when I do. May this day be full of little joysin the shape of cracker crumbs and mis-matched socks,good morning hugs and late-night snuggles. Lord, help me realizethat much of what I want is what I already have.Fill my heart with gratitude and help me trust you with my longings and hopes,so I may fully rest into the gifts of today. Amen.Author: Alli R. Dahlgren --------------Find us and free resources at: www.gracebased.com

YMM is a weekly prayer series for parents who need a moment. Sign up at gracebased.com/ymm to get these prayers in your inbox every Monday.-------------------A Prayer for When Your Child Has a Panic AttackGood Father,You are no stranger to panic,And you never leave us in it.You who breathed the stars into beingonce gasped for breath in a garden.You wept.You staggered.You sweat blood.You knew what was coming…And your body could not hold the sorrow quietly.You trembled and cried out.You were overwhelmed.So you stayed in the garden,And you prayed.Now my child trembles.Her breath catches.It chokes.Her body believes a threat is near—though, no cross looms on a hill.Still… she cannot breathe.Still… her hands shake.Still… her mind spirals.And I…I can do nothing but stay.So help me stay. And pray.I will not rush to reasonwhere logic cannot reach.I will not preach peacewhile her body screams fear.Instead—I will be peace.I will be presence.I will be stillness.I will be breath beside herwhen hers is lost.And as I hold her trembling frame,I hold her up to you.You who stayed awake that nightwhile your friends sleptstay with her now.You who pray with groanstoo deep for wordspray over her now.You who never slumber,who never sleepbe her shield.Be her advocate.Be her friend.This moment…is a midnight garden.And you are not absent.So I will sit with her, like you do.I will keep watch.I will pray.Believing this night will not last – Resurrection is coming.In Jesus’ name,Amen.Author: Cheree Hayes Family Connection Moment:When their breathing begins to slow, invite them to breathe with you.Place your hand gently on your chest so they can see and follow.On the inhale, say together: “God is with me”On the exhale, say together: “in the storm.”Repeat slowly, at least five times.Let the words ride the breath until their body feels calmer, and remind them, “Even when we can’t stop the storm, God stays in it with us.”------Find us and more free resources: www.gracebased.com

YMM is a weekly prayer series for parents who need a moment. Sign up at gracebased.com/ymm to get these prayers in your inbox every Monday. ----------------A Prayer For When the Kids Are Fighting...Again.Our Father,Thank you for giving my children to each other. Thank you for their bond, and for all they will teach each otherabout growing together, forbearance, and love that costs something.But Lord, they are fighting again.It is cutting and fierce and loud. Quiet their hearts. Where there is selfishness, banish it.Where impatience is spilling over, give patience.Teach them to see each other with charity.Burden them for each other.Jesus, give me wisdom for this moment:Not to take a “side;” Not to intrude where they must discover on their ownwhat it’s like to be hurt, and to hurt.Let me not neglect to protect them, either.Let this be a real-world picture for themOf the cost of real loveAnd the irreplaceable gift of their family.Shepherd us gently towards peace,generosity, self-forgetfulness, and love.Amen.------------written by Alli R. Dahlgrenproduced by Dan Gummel music by blue.sessionsGet more free family resources at www.gracebased.com