Father’s Day dates back to at least the Middle Ages although here in NZ it seems to have started in the early 19oo’s after Mother’s Day started in 1908. It is celebrated on different days around the world. Here, of course, we celebrate it in conjunction with the beginning of spring, on the 1st Sunday of September …
TODAY
Fathers’ are far more than the biological ones. Uncles, close family friends, grandads, adopted, step, significant men that come into our lives.
We give thanks for Dads. Here I offer a prayer …
Thank you, Lord, that we can come to you as our Heavenly Father. Today, we pray for all fathers.
We are grateful for those who have been wise and kind. Bless them, Lord, and shine your light on them.
Some Fathers struggle with their role, for many different reasons. Shine on them also. We know you can help them if they seek your love and guidance.
Fathers don’t always get it right. Some have stuffed up big time. Help us to give them grace and we ask for your grace. Especially bless children they have hurt. These hurts can still be carried into adulthood, heal those let down by fathers, whatever age they are now.
We pray for fathers, all fathers, including father figures. May they love their children with gentle strength, faithful presence, and calm, patient wisdom.
May all fathers imitate your love, by which you have made us
one family, each of us cherished, fed, and protected.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour, Amen.
