A few years ago I posted a litany for Mother’s Day here as an offering for those who found that day hard. I didn’t post a prayer for Father’s Day. For me this has always been a good day. Since I’ve been a pastor, I have stepped into the pain of others who have profound difficulty with their dads. I offer this prayer up for anyone who finds today hard and struggles to connect with the God Jesus called Abba.
Holy One reigning in heaven and on the earth, Your will be done.
Have mercy on us.
Some of us do not know dads. We know abandonment, fear and insecurity. We feel our fathers’ absence in our lives. We can’t imagine what their presence might mean.
Lord have mercy on us.
Some of us are wounded, hurt by a man who should have protected us and provided for us. We’ve been abused and broken and so have steeled our hearts against pain and unlove. We’ve grown numb to tenderness. Our hearts rage.
Lord have mercy on us.
Some of us long for approval, to hear our dad say I love you. We’ve struggled to earn his love and his respect.
Lord have mercy on us.
Others of us are the fathers who failed: failed to love, to nurture, to protect, and to care for our kids. We carry wounds, and we have wounded.
Have mercy on us.
Prodigal Father be Our Father.
Hold us safe and welcome us back when we wander.
Show us Your strength and mercy,
Your just love and tender care.
Heavenly Father father us and re-make us like You:
a loving father who nurtures and protects,
a dad who loves and provides refuge
a papa who hurts with the hurting—
bringing courage and peace.
Lord have Mercy. Amen.
thoughts, prayers & songs: 