Today we observe Father’s Day. I had a great dad. Strong, loving, wise. I’m one of the fortunate ones. Not everyone has had that blessing. And not every man has had the blessings of the richness of fatherhood. Because this day can be a little tricky for some, I like the prayer you see below as it speaks to the range and variety of father experiences.
Happy Father’s Day!
Lex
We give thanks to you, O God, for the gift of fatherhood in all its forms.
A Prayer for Father’s Day
On this Father’s Day, we give thanks to you, O God, for the gift of fatherhood in all its forms. We give thanks for the fathers among us today; for our own fathers, those living and those who have died;
We remember before you, O God, the fathers who loved us well and those who fell short of loving us fully. Likewise, we remember those fathers who have been wounded by their children; grant us all the peace of your redeeming love.
We remember before you, O God, those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely choose the obligation of fatherhood and nurture love and respect. We give thanks for those men who have no children but cherish the next generation as if they were their own. We remember before you also all who hope to be fathers someday, those whose hope to have children has been frustrated, and fathers whose children have died; comfort and uphold them in your loving care.
We give you thanks, O God, for all those who have helped fill the void when our fathers were not present—grandfathers, uncles, brothers, cousins, teachers, mentors, and coaches—all those who reveal your image, show us your love, and help us grow; may we all have the courage to be such agents of your grace.
And now encourage and bless all those who shoulder the work of provision and who strive to protect and nurture your beloved children. Send forth upon us your Holy Spirit, so that we may also be bearers of your strength and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
