Christian Reflection and Prayer

Holy Father,

You are the one who knows how
absolutely special fathers are.
You made them that way.

How else can a man work so
hard, give so much, and love
unconditionally,
without your strength?

So first, Lord, thank You for
fathers, for daddies.
For big, strong men with tender
hearts, with hands that are
calloused and rough,
yet so soft and gentle when
hearts need mending.

Lord, help children to delight this
day in being with their dads,
even if it must be only by phone.

May the precious memories flow,
and bring laughter,and new love
and appreciation.

Lord, please take care of our dads.
Though they are brave and protective,
they must also be frightened
sometimes,when money runs low,
when we need things, when we're
hurt or sick.

Lord, when their hearts break
because they can't do it all,
please help us to let them know
how much we love them.

And how much You love them.

Lord, forgive the men who know
they are not good fathers,
and help them to know when and
if they can make things better,
with Your help.

And Oh, Lord, for those Dads who
keep trying and keep loving after
messing up so many times,
help their children to love them
even more in return.

Lord, for that Dad who has lost
a child, please let him know You
are there, right beside him,
for nothing else can heal a heart
so torn.

For the father who is parenting alone,
strengthen him with your love.

For those whose father is already
with You,

Give him a hug, Lord,

and tell him it's from his children.

And you, too, Lord.

Happy Father's Day!

In Jesus' name,

Amen.