photo cred. Guilluame de Germaine on unsplash

Yesterday was Father’s Day. Are you among the many dads who didn’t enjoy the day? You might not have observed Father’s Day in any way for a number of reasons. If the difficulty was due to having a wayward, troubled son or daughter who’s brought you a lot of heartache, I’m truly sorry. I wrote this prayer several years ago for dads like you. I hope you find comfort here.

Heavenly Father, please heal the heart of every hurting father who reads this blog post today. Father’s Day reminded them of their painful losses, of what they don’t have anymore. Their children’s choices, behaviors, and issues changed everything. They’re crushed. Broken.

These dads were their son’s first hero. Their daughter’s first love.

Pride keeps them from being honest about their feelings with themselves or anyone else. They’ve got to be strong, hold everything together. Not wanting to look weak, they say they’re “fine” when asked. They work hard to pretend they’re okay, when the truth is they feel dead inside. But no one knows. No one but You, Lord. Help them forgive themselves for not being perfect. Remind them no one is. Convince them this is true. They feel responsible. Guilty. Angry. After all, they were the dad. They thought their job was to make sure their son or daughter grew up to fulfill their dreams, to have an amazing life. But those hopes have been dashed. They’re broken. Gone. They’re lost to addiction, mental illness, and a host of other issues. They’re frustrated to be powerless, unable to fix the problem. Were’t they supposed to be able to solve anything? The hurt from all that’s lost is more than he can bear.

These dads grieve deeply. Their losses feel the same as a death. God, please comfort their hearts over not being able to protect their daughter, over not being able to keep their son safe. All they wanted was to keep the bad away. To make everything okay again.

photo cred. whoislimos on unsplash

They tried with all their might. They gave their best. They loved well, but they couldn’t do it.

Teach fathers everywhere how to surrender. Show them the way to detach with love and release their child to Your care.

Renew their hope. Rebuild their lives. Strengthen their faith to trust You, the Father of all mankind.

Show Yourself as a wonderful Counselor, gentle Shepherd, and Prince of Peace.

Pour down healing oil. Give them beauty for ashes, strength for fear, gladness for mourning, and peace for despair. (Isaiah 61:3 NIV)

Peace. For. despair.

In the beautiful, healing name of Jesus, I offer this prayer for every hurting dad.

Amen.

This Bible verse gives comfort in all our sufferings:

When I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me the strength I need.  (Psalm 138:3 NIV)