Scotty Smith
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
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles. 2 Cor. 1:3-4
Heavenly Father, it’s Father’s Day—a day that stirs up differing emotions in our hearts. It’s a source of unparalleled peace and joy to know you as the Father we always longed for and needed. No one can father us as you do.
Our best earthly fathers offer a whisper and hint of what it means to be your beloved children. And our most broken fathers make knowing you all the more necessary and precious. Our hearts overflow with thanksgiving, as we cry with joy, “Abba, Father!” Here’s a few of many things for which we are grateful today.
Thank you for adopting us into your heart, 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 inheritance that can never spoil or fade.
Thank you for being the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort—comforting us in all our troubles. Thank you for promising to complete the work you began in us as your children, and for only disciplining us in love—never shaming, chiding, or withdrawing from us.
Father, thank you for grace to forgive our earthly fathers who didn’t love us as you intended. Continue to heal us and show us how to love our dads with compassion and wisdom. And for those of us who are fathers, free us to love our kids with the riches of your grace, no matter their age or issues.
Lastly, Father, we thank you for the spiritual fathers you’ve given us—the gospel-dads who help us know your kindness, and more and more of the multi-dimensional love of Jesus. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ merciful and mighty name.