“Behold, ponder—be astonished at the great love the Father has lavished on you.” 1 John 3:1
Heavenly Father, thank you for being the Father we long for, and desperately need. In the USA, tomorrow is Father’s Day, but in the Gospel every day is Father’s Day. We’ve got a long list of reasons we are grateful to call you Abba.
For starters, thank you for adopting us—for making your heart our home, Jesus our righteousness, and your sovereignty our sanity. Thank you for giving us the “Spirit of sonship” (Rom. 8:15-16)—who every day is telling us about Jesus (John 15:26), and reminding us that we really are your beloved children.
Thank you for being “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3). We need both in large amounts. Thank you for promising to complete the work you began in us (Phil. 1:6). Thank you BIG time for that assurance, and until that Day, thank you for only disciplining us in love (Heb. 12:6)—never shaming, condemning, or withdrawing from us. Thank you, Abba.
And thank you for grace to forgive our earthly fathers—none of whom could be or replace you; and grace for the ways we dads haven’t been the father we hoped to be. Continue to heal our relationship with our kids as we get closer to Home.
Lastly, Father, we thank you for the spiritual dads you’ve given us—our Gospel-Fathers who help us know you better, grow in grace, and live for your glory. Your love, kindness, and generosity are without comparison. We love and bless you. So Very Amen.