THE PRAYING FATHER

THE PRAYING FATHER
Scripture: Job 1:5
"And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually."
Father’s Day often brings thoughts of memories, traditions, and the influence that fathers have on their families. While many qualities define a godly father, perhaps none is more important than being a man of prayer. In Job 1:5, we are given a glimpse into the private life of one of the Bible’s greatest men. Before Job became known for his suffering, patience, and perseverance, he was known in heaven as a praying father.
Job understood something every parent needs to remember: the greatest need in our children’s lives is not success, popularity, wealth, or achievement. Their greatest need is a right relationship with God. Long before trouble ever came to his home, Job was already on his knees praying for his children. His prayer life prepared him for the storms that would eventually come.
As we look at Job’s example, we discover several characteristics of a praying father.
Sermon Outline
Title:
The Praying Father
Bible Text:
Job 1:5

1. A Praying Father Is Concerned About His Children’s Souls
Job’s greatest concern was not his children’s careers, accomplishments, or social standing. His concern was their spiritual condition. He offered sacrifices because he feared they might have sinned against God in their hearts.
Many parents spend countless hours praying for grades, scholarships, athletic success, and future opportunities. While none of those prayers are wrong, they should never take precedence over praying for our children’s souls. We ought to be more concerned about their walk with God than their worldly success.
A praying father asks:

• Are my children walking with God?
• Is there sin hindering their fellowship with Him?
• Have they trusted Christ as Savior?
• Are they living in God’s will?

The greatest gift a parent can give a child is consistent prayer for their spiritual well-being.

2. A Praying Father Intercedes for Each Child Individually
The Bible tells us that Job offered sacrifices “according to the number of them all.” Job had ten children, and he intentionally prayed for each one.
This reminds us that every child is different. Each child faces unique struggles, temptations, fears, and opportunities. Blanket prayers have their place, but effective parenting requires specific prayers.
Pray for each child by name.
Pray for their strengths and weaknesses.
Pray for their friendships.
Pray for their future spouse.
Pray for their spiritual growth.
Prayer requires labor. It takes time. It takes focus. It demands consistency. But our children are worth every minute spent on our knees before God.

3. A Praying Father Makes Prayer a Priority
Job “rose up early in the morning” to pray.
This detail is significant because Job was not an idle man. Scripture describes him as the greatest man in the East. He had enormous responsibilities, businesses to oversee, servants to manage, and wealth to maintain. Yet he made prayer a priority.
The truth is that nobody finds time to pray—we must make time to pray.
Prayer is not something we do when everything else is finished. Prayer is one of the most important things we do. As Oswald Chambers wisely said, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.”
Our children deserve parents who will prioritize prayer over convenience, comfort, and busyness.

4. A Praying Father Is Faithful and Consistent
The final phrase of Job 1:5 may be the most powerful: “Thus did Job continually.”
Job did not pray occasionally.
He did not pray only during emergencies.
He did not pray only when his children were facing difficulties.
He prayed continually.
Every parent can pray once.
Every parent can pray during a crisis.
But a praying father develops a lifelong habit of faithfully bringing his children before the Lord.
Consistent prayer keeps a burden alive in our hearts. It reminds us that God is still working, even when we cannot see it. It keeps us engaged in the spiritual battle for our families.
Our children may forget many things we say, but they will never forget seeing a parent who prayed for them faithfully.

Final Thoughts
Just a few verses after our text, Job would experience unimaginable loss. His children would die. His wealth would disappear. His health would deteriorate. Yet through it all, Job remained a man of prayer.
The greatest legacy Job left behind was not his wealth, influence, or possessions. It was his example as a father who cared deeply enough about his children to pray for them continually.
One day our children may remember our hobbies, careers, accomplishments, and interests. But perhaps the most meaningful thing they can remember is this:
Dad prayed for me.
May God help us raise a generation of praying fathers, praying mothers, and praying families who understand that prayer still makes a difference.
A praying father is a powerful father.