photo cred. Guilluame de Germaine on unsplash

Today is Father’s Day. Are you among the many dads who don’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 dad who reads this. 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. This man is crushed. Broken.

He was his son’s first hero. His 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’ are 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 and angry. After all, they were the dad. They thought their job was to keep their child safe, make sure they grew up to fulfill their dreams, and have an amazing life. But those hopes have been dashed. They’re lost to addiction, mental illness, and a host of other issues. They’re frustrated to find themselves powerless, unable to fix the problem. Were’t they supposed to be the one who could solve anything? The hurt from all that’s lost is more than he can bear.

These dads grieve deeply. Hope has shattered. The losses feel the same as a death. God, please comfort them in their inabiity to keep their child safe. All they wanted was to drive away the bad. 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 fix the problems.

Teach fathers everywhere how to surrender. Show them the way to detach with love, to release their child into Your hands, into Your loving care.

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

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

Pour down healing oil. Give 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).