Prayer for Father's Day

Father God, creator and sustainer, we thank you for nurturing us like a mother. Wepraise you for your care and protection surrounding us like a father. On this Father'sSunday, we remember all the people who have nurtured us, especially the importantmen in our lives, those who have seen, not just with their eyes, but with their hearts.Hear our prayer for fathers around the world.

Father God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember fathers whose families are torn apart by jealousy, fighting and misunderstandings. We remember fathers who are older, but who still bear the responsibility of raising children and grandchildren. And we remember fathers who mean well but make mistakes.

Father God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember fathers who are unable to support their children, and are forced into unimaginable decisions, who have to sell a child into marriage or human trafficking in order to feed his other children.

Father God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember men who, because of various circumstances, are unable to become fathers. We remember fathers who have adopted children and fathers who gave up their rights as fathers.

Father God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember fathers who rejoice in the achievements of their children. Who joyfully watch a new generation take hold. We remember fathers who are single parents, who through personal sacrifice and perseverance provide a loving home for their children.

Father God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember fathers who helplessly watch their children suffer and die from malnutrition because of famine, drought, flood or war. We pray for the fathers where recent disasters have occurred and those taking their children in hope onto the high seas. We remember fathers whose children are sick or disabled and who will try anything to cure or help them.

Father God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for fathers and their children around the world caught in the terrors of violence and living in fear. We weep with the fathers of those who inflict violence on others.

Father God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for fathers who have been wounded by the neglect and hostility of their children.

Father God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for fathers who, despite divorce, have remained in their children's lives.

Father God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for fathers whose children are adopted, and whose love and support has offered healing.

Father God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for fathers who, as stepfathers, freely chose the obligation of fatherhood and earned their stepchildren's love and respect.

Father God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for fathers who have lost a child to death and continue to hold the child in their heart.

Father God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Nurturing God, thank you for those who have nurtured us. Open our eyes to the plight of so many fathers and mothers around the world for whom life is difficult. Help us share your love and mercy with them.

Father God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the silence of this moment, hear the prayers of our hearts. [pause]

God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Merciful God, Father of us all, honor our prayers, spoken and unspoken, humbly lifted to you in faith.

Amen.