“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one’.”

(Matthew 6:9-13 NIV)

Melissa Phillips-Stevens with her father 34 years ago, on the most wonderful day of her life

In honor of Father’s Day, let’s pray this prayer with those husbands, sons, daddies, grandfathers, and dear mentors we’re blessed to celebrate in mind. After all, Jesus gave us a beautiful example of how to pray, demonstrating the relationship He has with His own Father, who is ours as well.

Me with my daddy–1970

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…

Please be near those men in our lives who point us to You–who remind us who You are and lead by example. May they each be blessed today as they direct those in their keeping to Your holiness.

Jordan Shelton with her daddy Jason

…your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…

We pray, Kind Abba, that You will direct each of their steps according to Your good and perfect will for their lives. Give them a foretaste of Heaven–reminding them that whatever they do in the days they’re given here on earth offers others that foretaste of glory too.

Carla Palmer with her dear daddy Phil

…Give us today our daily bread…

These men are or have been breadwinners for their families, working diligently according to the gifts You’ve bestowed upon them that they might provide for those they love. In their employment, they are shining examples of You, Father, and that is a beautiful thing indeed. Remind them today to take time, too, to savor the Bread of Life from Your hand. Yes, to celebrate Your Son, their Savior–JESUS!

10-year old Norma Draughn with her daddy in 1956

…And forgive us our debts…

Because we each fall short, going our own way in sin for a season, we know such is no less true for these wonderful men for whom we offer this prayer. But You are a God who forgives. You are patient, abounding in love. Please remind each of these, Your children, that there is nothing that can separate them from Your mercy and grace. All it takes is confession, with a sincere heart, and they’re made clean from sin in their lives. May they each experience this freedom and walk in it.

My dear fathers-in-law Dennis, who passed away in 2019, and Bill. Blessed!

…as we also have forgiven our debtors…

Thank you, Father, for also allowing these men to demonstrate in their own lives the power of forgiveness. Each has been wronged in one way or another. Witnessing the healing that occurs when someone extends mercy to a fellow traveler in this life, well–that’s transformational. Thank you for the ways these men have exemplified Your character through the act of forgiving others–-just as You, through Your son Jesus, forgive us.

Nicole Charles with daddy Tom Sauers

…And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

We live in a world that’s wandered so far from what most pleases You, Good Father. Oh, You are gracious and kind. Thank you! Still, we pray that–despite these men desiring to please you with their lives–they don’t step into the mire of sin for even a moment. Because we know–this hurts Your heart, but it will also hurt theirs. And we pray only joy and peace for them in Your presence. After all, we know this is the sweetest place to be! Protect each of these men we love so much from the enemy who seeks whom he may devour. He cannot have them–not today. Not ever! So we ask for the full covering of Your armor, as well as discerning hearts and minds that they might walk in your presence–today and always.

Chloe Upah with her Grandpa David Upah

Amen

Allie’s blessed by her kind-hearted daddy! Happy Father’s Day, Bill!

(***All photographs used with permission.***)

In loving memory of dear friend Melissa Trantham’s daddy who was loved by many. A true servant’s heart, “Paw” said it best–Carry on, Children.

Please feel free to share a memory of your daddy or a father-figure in the comments below. Let’s thank God for all the good fathers He brought into this world. We are blessed indeed!