Dads wear many hats. From protector to playmate, confidante to counselor. No matter the role, families rely on dads to lead with strength and faith. And in Pocket Prayers for Dads , Max Lucado offers forty scriptures and guided prayers that will help dads do just that.
With more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.
"Hello, my name is Max. I'm a recovering prayer wimp. I doze off when I pray. My thoughts zig, then zag, then zig again. Distractions swarm like gnats on a summer night. If attention deficit disorder applies to prayer, I am afflicted. When I pray, I think of a thousand things I need to do. I forget the one thing I set out to do: pray.
Some people excel in prayer. They inhale heaven and exhale God. They are the SEAL Team Six of intercession. They would rather pray than sleep. Why is it that I sleep when I pray? They belong to the PGA: Prayer Giants Association. I am a card carrying member of the PWA: Prayer Wimps Association. Can you relate? It's not that we don't pray at all. We all pray some.
On tear-stained pillows we pray.
In grand liturgies we pray.
At the sight of geese in flight we pray.
Quoting ancient devotions, we pray.
We pray to stay sober, centered or solvent. We pray when the lump is deemed malignant. When the money runs out before the month does. When the unborn baby hasn't kicked in a while. We all pray...some. But wouldn't we all like to pray....
More?
Better?
Deeper?
Stronger?
With more fire, faith, or fervency? Yet we have kids to feed, bills to pay, deadlines to meet. The calendar pounces on our good intentions like a tiger on a rabbit. We want to pray, but when? We want to pray, but why? We might as well admit it. Prayer is odd, peculiar. Speaking into space. Lifting words into the sky. We can't even get the cable company to answer us, yet God will? The doctor is too busy, but God isn't? We have our doubts about prayer.
Prayer is not a privilege of the pious, not the art of a chosen few. Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child. My friend, he wants to talk with you. Even now, as you read these words, he taps at the door. Open it. Welcome him in. Let the conversation begin. "
(Pg 5-7, 12)
In typical easy reading fashion, Max Lucado introduces readers to Pocket Prayers, 6 uniquely designed books to help Dads, Moms, Friends, Grads, Military, and Teachers with 40 specific prayers designed to help inspire and encourage your prayer life. They will bring joy and serenity in Pocket Prayer for Friends with Max and Betsy St. Amant. They bring peace and rest to Pocket Prayers for Moms with Max and Andrea Lucado. In Pocket Prayers for Dads, 40 simple prayers help bring strength and faith to our men with Max and Mark Mynheir. Pocket Prayers for Grads promises 40 simple prayers that bring hope and direction in the life ahead of them with Max and Andrea Lucado. 40 simple prayers that bring faith and courage can be uncovered in Pocket Prayers for the Military Life, with Max and Mark Myheir, to anyone serving in our military. Finally 40 simple prayers that bring peace and renewal in Pocket Prayers for Teachers, with Max and Jennifer K. Hale.
These simple but encouraging books provide just the right kinds of prayer in every single life of a believer in just the way they need it. I gifted Pocket Prayers for Dads, to my own father, who is just beginning to discover his life as a believer in Christ, to encourage him in his own prayer life. I have gifted Pocket Prayers for Military Life to a close friend who just made the decision to enlist in the army to help him realize that no matter how far from home he is, God will always be right there for him. Pocket Prayers for Graduates is given to my 17-year-old daughter who is graduating in June to help her always realize that when she faces uncertainty in her future, she can always trust God for the right path in her life. I have given Pocket Prayers for Moms to my own mother, because she has always inspired me that prayer is the one thing we always have any time day or night no matter what we are enduring. Finally Pocket Prayers for Teachers I have gifted to our Youth Pastor who's responsibility it is to help lead the next generation to trust and have faith in God.
I received Pocket Prayers by Max Lucado compliments of Thomas Nelson and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from these free books, in exchange for my honest and personal opinions. The one thing I love about any of Max Lucado's books is the down to earth feel you get when reading them. It's not like reading a book, but having a heart to heart conversation with a close friend. He meets you right where you are, and you feel like you're on the same page with him. For me, I struggle a lot in my own prayer life, first doing it and then staying focused when I do. These unique hard covered books are perfect for that person in your life that needs the inspiration and encouragement in their prayer life and that is why I give these a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
What a wonderful collection!! Max Lucado in collaboration of other authors brings us 6 unique books that individually and collectively address prayer. Each book measures: 5.40 X 5.40 (inches) Format: Hardbook or ebook Length: 112 pages
Each books comes with 40 selected scriptures and guided prayers. Myself, as a mother, I focused mostly on the Pocket Prayers for Moms. It consists of 6 sections that addresses specific prayers and they are:
Prayers for Time and Peace Prayers for Protection and Surrender Prayers for Guidance and Clarity Prayers for Love and Marriage Prayers for Healing and Safety Prayers for Grace and Strength Each section consists of 5 to 7 scriptures that pertain to the titled section along with a guided prayer. As I said there are a total of six books that can be bought individually or collectively. My first thought when I saw these books were how beautiful the covers are. The size of the books makes if convenient for travel as they are small enough to take anywhere. Space is provided on each page to jot down notes if you so desire. These books are perfect gift for anyone or to keep for yourself. For instance I could see the Pocket Prayers for Moms perfect for a new or struggling mom, Prayers for Military Life would be perfect for the military family or in a care package for the soldier actively serving, Prayers for Dads would be perfect for the new dad or even as a father's day gift, with graduation upon us this would be perfect for the graduate as a gift, Prayers for Teachers is perfect for anytime because of their hard work and sacrifice or maybe the individual just starting their teaching career, lastly Prayers for Friends is also perfect for anytime or maybe if they are experiencing a difficult event in their life. When I first received this collection my first thought was Prayers for Moms and Dads would be perfect to give to a young couple in our church who is expecting their first child in July. *I received these books from the publisher via Litfuse as part of their blogger program and book tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
These beautiful hard cover 5 x 5" books may seem small, but the content is so powerful! Their small size make them easy to distribute to friends and family, and the messages inside are always just what I need to read.
What others say:
—Moms (written with daughter Andrea Lucado)
This book is wonderful! The prayers really help me after a busy day with my kids, or even mid-day when I feel eveything is a fight! Every mom should have this.
—Grads (written with daughter Andrea Lucado)
As an upcoming 2017 grad, I really needed to have this book! The spiritual truths are just what I need when I get overwhelmed
—Dads (written with Mark Mynheir)
This book is awesome for any dad! Small, and easy to carry anywhere, this is the perfect book to use with my daily devotions!
—Military Life (written with Mark Mynheir)
I just loved that Max included a book specifically for those that serve in the military. My cousin's husband is currently stationed in Italy, and we pray for him every day!
—Teachers (written with blogger Jennifer Hale)
As a homeschool mom, spending time with her students and her kids at the same time 24-7, sometimes I just need a break! This book helps me find the words on my heart, and inspires me to be the best I can be!
—Friends (written with Betsy St. Amant)
This book is fabulous! I know it's going to help me so much. It inspires me to make all my relationships more God focused.
*I received this book from Litfuse, the publisher, and the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given. All thoughts were my own and I was not compensated in any other way.
Max Lucado with Mark Mynheir in their new book “Pocket Prayers For Dads” published by Thomas Nelson gives us 40 Simple Prayers That Bring Strength and Faith.
From the back cover: Dads
They wear many hats. From protector to playmate, confidante to counselor. No matter the role, dads are called on to lead their families with integrity and conviction.
So, where can dads turn to find the strength they need?
These forty simple prayers point to the Source of all strength and faith — offering hope for every day.
Max Lucado tells us, “Prayer is not a privilege of the pious, not the art of a chosen few. Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child. My friend, he wants to talk with you. Even now, as you read these words, he taps at the door. Open it. Welcome him in. Let the conversation begin. “ “Pocket Prayers For Dads” gives us a devotional, by day, for forty days that are divided into meaningful categories. Let’s face it our dads face a lot of challenges and stress. This book was written especially for dads to focus on the issues that concern them. Each day has a Bible verse and a short prayer to re-focus their attention on God to put the issues that come up in His hands and draw closer to Him. This is one book you will be returning to over and over again. It is also a great gift to give to friends and family to help them with their days. I recommend this book highly.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Litfuse Publicity Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
"...points...to the certain Source of hope and direction for whatever lies ahead." (back cover)
Max Lucado & company put together a series of Pocket Prayers, published by Thomas Nelson, designed specifically for 6 types of roles. A Pocket Prayer for moms, dads, graduates, the military life, teachers and friends. With 40 prayers in each book, each with a corresponding Bible verse, we are brought back to focus on the One that can give us hope, direction and ultimately peace in our daily lives. As mentioned, each is tailored to a specific role, and though I don't fit into some of these roles, reading through them gives me a glimpse of what burdens this person may have. Furthermore, this insight also softens my heart as compassion and understanding grows. Since I am reviewing the series as a whole, I appreciate each of these pocket sized Pocket Prayers, because I understand that they each serve a purpose for their specific target audience. With that said, these will make great gifts. Give it as a set, for the recipient to share, or gift the specific one you're thinking of. I can also see how perfect it would be included in a gift basket.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity Tours for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.
Pocket Prayers for Dads has 40 prayers that bring strength and faith. Each prayer has a verse to go with it. For example, the first verse and prayer is about Psalms 18:10 and the prayer follows praying these words to the Lord. The cover of this book is just what a dad would love. Max Lucado wrote this book with Mark Mynheir. I have a dad to be in mind to give this book to! I highly recommend all of Max Lucado's little pocket prayer books! I love gift books, they are so sweet and beautiful, and books that can easily be carried around with you. I encourage you to check out each one of these books for friends and family. What better gift can you give a person that 40 prayers along with 40 verses to go with them. I received this book from Litfuse to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
Max Lucado, a well know Christian writer, teamed up with several other authors to write some powerful prayers designed for specific people. Six little books targeting six different types of people, such as mothers, teachers, military, etc. Each little book contains 40 scriptures and prayers that will encourage and comfort. The hardcover books have beautifully designed covers and colored font making these perfect for gifts.
I loved the concept and layout of these books. They are small and compact, making them easy to slip into a purse or bag. Each prayer is accompanied by a scripture. The forward written by Lucado was heartfelt and inspirational. I look forward to giving these to my friends.
I received this book free of charge from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review.
I thought this set of books an excellent idea! A family could buy the entire set to add to their library; it would be great to refer to each of them as the need arose! Equally beneficial would be to purchase these books to give as gifts to mothers, fathers, graduates, people in the service, teachers, etc. There are six books in this Pocket Prayers series; each of the books are the perfect size for travel or giving as a gift. These hardback books have shiny covers and glossy pages. They are all easy to read and comprehend and will inspire the reader to open them every day. I especially liked the handy size and the quality of the publishing format. I am not a fan of Max Lucado and didn't agree with everything in these books but in this review I will not delve into that. I received a set of these books from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I plan on giving away each of these volumes to appropriate people in my life!
Max Lucado writes with humor, compassion, and respect. He speaks of the Bible, the disciples and how they asked Jesus to teach them to pray.
Max, with Mark Mynheir, has chosen 40 specific Bible passages, and written out 40 specific prayers — especially for Dads.
After reading through the prayers and writing my review, I placed this book on my shelf — waiting for a time when the Lord shows me who to gift it to . . . perhaps a new Dad — or one who’s been a Dad for many years. I don’t know yet — but I’m watching for the right one.