Our Father in Heaven,

Bless those fathers, who have taken upon themselves the responsibility of parenting.

Bless those fathers who have striven to balance the demands of work, marriage, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice.

Bless those fathers who, lacking a good model for a father, have worked to become a good father.

Bless those fathers whose children are adopted, and whose love and support has offered healing.

Bless those fathers who have lost a child to death, and continue to hold the child in their heart.

Bless those men who have no children, but cherish the next generation as if they were their own.

Bless those men who are about to become fathers; may they openly delight in their children.

Bless those fathers who have died, but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us.

And to you Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be all glory and praise now and for ever. Amen.