Behold what great love the Father has lavished on us,
that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 Jn. 3:1
Heavenly Father, on this Father’s Day, it’s a great joy to affirm that you are the Father we’ve always longed for, and needed. Our best earthly fathers, are a great gift and reflection of you. But no mere man can father us the way you alone can, and do.
Indeed, our hearts overflow with thanksgiving, as we cry out with joy today, “Abba, Father!” Thank you for adopting us as your beloved children, for robing us in Jesus’ righteousness, and forgiving all our sins. Thank you for giving us the Spirit of Sonship, a secure place in your family, and an eternal inheritance beyond our wildest imaginings.
Thank you for being the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort—not despising our weaknesses, and meeting us in the most broken, painful parts of our stories. Thank you for always disciplining us in love—never shaming, chiding, or withdrawing from us.
Thank you for promising to complete the Gospel-work you began in us, Father—what peace and hope this brings us. We’ll never be orphaned from your family, or rejected because of our failings.
And Father, thank you for grace to forgive our earthly fathers who didn’t love us as you intended. Continue to heal and free us. And for we dads, thank you for the grace of forgiveness, and hope of redemption. We want to love our kids more like the ways you love us.
Lastly, Father, we thank you for the spiritual dads you’ve given us—the Gospel-fathers who help us mine the riches of grace. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ merciful and mighty name.