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Let’s pray for all the fathers in the world. 6-15-14

Dear father, you give us your love, your rules and law to follow- Ephesians 6:4

Father, today we pray for all the fathers of the world, give us the wisdom and courage to follow your rules and law to be a good fathers. Love is the seed of happiness in our home; before we become a good father we must love our wife as we both will have the responsibility to build the family that will follow your laws. Today there is no role in our modern society that suffers a greater neglect as the role of the father. Not only has God given men the incredible privilege of imitating Him as Father, He has placed upon the shoulders of fathers an incredible responsibility. As our society has chosen this day to celebrate fathers, it is appropriate to remind fathers of their God given responsibilities.

By God's laws, anyone who is a father should first be a husband (cf. 1 Cor. 7:1-5). Otherwise, souls are guilty of the sin of fornication (cf. 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21). Therefore, being a responsible father first necessitates being a good husband. One must love, honor, nourish and cherish his wife in every aspect of her life (cf. Eph. 5:25-30; Col. 3:19; 1 Pet. 3:7). Only then will one be prepared to be a good father.

As a father, no challenge rings clearer in my mind than that set forth by the apostle Paul, who says, "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4). In just a few words, the Spirit speaks of responsibility, accountability and possibility in light of those who have taken on the good work of being a father.

Fathers play a unique and important role in the lives of their children. As mentor, protector, and provider, a father fundamentally influences the shape and direction of his child's character by giving love, care, discipline, and guidance. As we observe Father's Day, our nation honors fatherhood and urges fathers to commit themselves selflessly to the success and well-being of their children. And we reaffirm the importance of fathers in the lives of their children. Raising a child requires significant time, effort, and sacrifice; and it is one of the most hopeful and fulfilling experiences a man can ever know. A father can derive great joy from seeing his child grow from infancy to adulthood. As a child matures into independence and self-reliance, the value of a parent's hard work, love, and commitment comes to fruition.

Responsible fatherhood is important to a healthy and civil society. Numerous studies confirm that children whose fathers are present and involved in their lives are more likely to develop into prosperous and healthy adults. Children learn by example; and they need their father's presence as examples of virtue in their daily lives. A child's sense of security can be greatly enhanced by seeing his parents in a loving and faithful marriage.

Father we thank you for all your blessing and your guidance to be good fathers. Amen.