A Catholic Prayer for Earthly Fathers

Most gracious Heavenly Father,

We thank you for our earthly fathers,

those to whom you have entrusted the responsibility

to provide loving protection of their families

and guidance of their children.

We thank you, also,

for our priests and bishops,

whose spiritual fatherhood is so vital to the faith of your people.

May our earthly fathers imitate the manly courage of Abraham,

Jesse and Joseph,

and all the holy fathers of the past

in providing wise counsel to the children

you have given to their care.

And may our spiritual fathers be guided

by the examples of Saints Peter and Paul,

all the Apostles and their saintly successors.

Give them valiant faith in the face of confusion and conflict,

hope in time of trouble and sorrow,

and steadfast love for you,

for their families,

and for all your people throughout the world.

Assist all fathers of families,

all spiritual fathers,

and all Christian men,

that through your Grace they may steadily grow in holiness

and in knowledge and understanding of your Truth.

May they generously impart this knowledge to those who rely on them.

As you, our Heavenly Father, so loved the world,

sending your only Son to be our Savior and Redeemer,

we ask you to help all men to imitate His fatherly gentleness

and mercy toward those who are weak;

His humility, perfect obedience to your Will,

and fearless witness to your Truth.

May their lives be examples to all of heroic faithfulness to you.

We ask your blessing on all those to whom

you have entrusted fatherhood.

May your Holy Spirit constantly inspire them with justice and mercy,

wisdom and strength,

fidelity and self-giving love.

May they receive your Grace abundantly in this earthly life,

and may they look forward to eternal joy

in your presence in the life to come.

We ask this through Jesus Christ,

your Son and Our Lord.

Amen.

Thank you, my beloved, for being the BEST Father to our beautiful little blessings!  Your love for me is evident in your love for them!  Thank you!

Happy Father's Day to all Dads who are Raising {& Teaching} Little Saints!