Gracious Heavenly Father,

I come to you with a heart that is overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with your goodness, generosity, and grace. As the psalmist once proclaimed, I too proclaim, “You are good, and you do what is good; teach me your statutes.” Thank you. Thank you for being a good, good Father to me…

Indeed, as I think on your goodness, I am so very aware of my badness. In thought, word, and deed, I often fail, and fail miserably. As the hymn writer once sang, I too sing, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.” Forgive me. Forgive me for my wanderings and cover me anew with your mercies that are “new every morning…Great is your faithfulness!”

And oh, how I thank you and praise you for the gift of my son, Derrick. Born from another, but ours brand new. His life so fresh, yet tainted too. What a blessing, a reward, a symbol of hope! His life is in the palm of your hands, but thank you for temporarily placing him into our hands.

Love – Wisdom – Trust. Carve these virtues deep into my soul and my wife’s soul too. Help us to love Derrick by showing him your love; help us to raise Derrick in your wisdom; and help us to trust you through the storms that lie ahead. Heavenly Father, as an earthly father, I ask that you grant to me the strength to provide and protect for my new son. Indeed, I can’t teach him everything, but I’ll teach him what I know about you and your Word, and then I’ll unleash him so that he might change this world…Bless my son, Derrick Roland Justinian Cotner, for his good and your magnificent glory…     

In Jesus’ Name – My Savior’s Name, Amen.