Lots of people are gearing up to celebrate their fathers this Sunday. Socks and DIY sets will be flying off the shelves, and thousands of heartfelt customized gifts will be given by children keen to make an effort to show their appreciation of all the things their dads have done for them.
For various reasons, not everyone will look forward to Father's Day. But regardless of whether your dad is a fond fixture in your life or you've never know him, your Father in Heaven has always and will always care for you.
Loving dads deserve gratitude and acknowledgement all year round, but there's no harm in joining in the fun of Father's Day.
If you're still searching for something special, and want to give something that's truly from the heart, then you shouldn't over look the personal touch of prayer.
The following five prayers are suitable for whether you have a great relationship with your dad, have dealt with losing him, have never known him or are torn up about the lack of love between you. And there's even one which everyone can say to thank God your Father for his endless love and guidance.
We give our thanks, Creator God, for the fathers in our lives.
Fatherhood does not come with a manual, and reality teaches us that some fathers excel while others fail.
We ask for Your blessings for them all – and forgiveness where it is needed.This Father's Day we remember the many sacrifices fathers make for their children and families, and the ways – both big and small – they lift children to achieve dreams thought beyond reach.
So too, we remember all those who have helped fill the void when fathers pass early or are absent – grandfathers and uncles, brothers and cousins, teachers, pastors and coaches – and the women of our families.
For those who are fathers, we ask for wisdom and humility in the face of the task of parenting. Give them the strength to do well by their children and by You.
In Your Holy name, O God, we pray. Amen
- Rev. Chuck Currie
Dear God,
Bless all the fathers in the world who have accepted the responsibilities of being a parent. Guide them to be outstanding role models to their children. Let them look to your example and to parent with patience, unconditional love and understanding. Amen.
Loving God,
We thank you for the gift of good dads, and everything that they do for us.
Help them to have patience when we're difficult, wisdom when we can't see the way, strength when we need comforting, and love at all times, so that, through them, we get a little glimpse of how you feel about us.
Our heavenly Father, Amen.
For all You have given, thank You God.
For all You have withheld, thank You God.
For all You have withdrawn, thank You God.
For all You have permitted, thank You God.
For all You have prevented, thank You God.
For all You have forgiven me, thank You God.
For all You have prepared for me, thank You God.
For the death You have chosen for me, thank you God.
For the place you are keeping for me in heaven, thank You God.
For having created me to love You for eternity, thank You God.
Lord,
Help the absent fathers to see the beauty of parenthood, and how glorious it is to bring up a child. Let those children whose fathers haven't been present in their lives know that your love and grace does more than just fill that gap. And help them find the strength to abandon feelings of resentment and sorrow as they journey through life.
Amen.
