Our Father in heaven…

Matthew 6:9a

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for designing families as a place for parents to raise and care for their children. Thank You especially for the gift of fathers. Our society tends to demean fatherhood and send the message that fathers are irrelevant or unnecessary. But research shows that fatherlessness is in fact a serious problem in modern-day society. Those children who grow up without fathers or with poor examples often experience problems later in life, such as lower grades, a greater tendency to drop out of school, and involvement in drugs, gangs, and crime. Clearly, Lord, fathers do play a vital role in the lives of their children. Thank You for godly fathers who raise their children in the fear and knowledge of You. Bless and strengthen fathers everywhere to set good examples for their children at all ages. Be with those who, for whatever reason, do not have fathers in the home or who have abusive or emotionally absent fathers. Provide godly male relatives, friends, or other role models in their lives to fill the gap left by their absent fathers. Turn the hearts of those fathers who are abusive or who do not believe, so they may come to saving knowledge of You and may raise their children to know You as well. No matter the earthly situation, remind us that You are our perfect heavenly Father who will never fail us or let us down. Thank You for calling us as Your own children, dear Father in heaven!

I pray especially for the following fathers…

In Your name I pray. Amen.

For a full explanation of this challenge, see the post 12-Minute Prayer Challenge. If you are just joining us, feel free to continue on with us from the current day, or if you prefer, you can go back and start at Day 1.