Sunday Liturgy | Father's Day 2023

Written By Jeremy Duncan

FATHER’S DAY PRAYER
Written by Scott Wall

On this Father’s Day, we take a moment to consider how our stories have been shaped by fathers, dads, mentors, and friends.
We acknowledge that for some of us the word ‘father’ bring reminders of pain, loss, or longing.
We acknowledge too that for others the celebration of fathers is a welcome opportunity to offer thanks and appreciation to those we cherish.

And however we come to this moment, we’re invited to consider what Christ revealed to us throughout his life.
Because Jesus spoke to God as parent.
He taught his friends to pray to God as parent.
He told stories of a God who acts like a father, searches for and welcomes home all those who find themselves lost.Holding these things, we offer words of gratitude and words of request — join me now.

God - and Father of all beginnings.
Our lives proceed from your generative, generous heart.

And this is why we give thanks for for fathers everywhere who’ve offered us their affection and their advise -
We give thanks for those who’ve balanced their work, their challenges, and their own insecurities to offer more than they received.

We give thanks for for adoptive fathers -
For those that have shaped lives without claim of family or kinship -
For those who have taught us, guided us, and shaped us.For new fathers, full of excitement. For long-time fathers, full of wisdom.
For the fathers yet to be, and fathers soon to be.
We give thanks.
And with grateful hearts we pray...For fathers who parent and care-give alone,
God grant them strength and wisdom.For fathers who struggle with shame, illness, or addiction.
God, comfort them with supportive connections.

For fathers who grieve their absent or distant children, those who have lost a child...or those who long for a child...
God, be their comfort.For those grieving the loss of a father today…
who care for an ailing parent…
For anyone seeking reconciliation or transformation in their relationship with their father…
God, bring them your lasting peace.And may we all come to trust your profound care and mercy for all.
Living fully in the freedom your love brings.

These things we ask in the name of Christ, Divine Son, who reflects your goodness and teaches us your gentle way. Amen.

Jeremy Duncan
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