Fathers are a light to every generation. And the gift of a responsible father is never to be taken for granted. Joseph was the earthly/adopted father of Jesus, and one part of his story that never left me is his obedience to instructions about baby Jesus.
“After the scholars were gone, God’s angel showed up again in Joseph’s dream and commanded, “Get up. Take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay until further notice. Herod is on the hunt for this child, and wants to kill him.” – Matthew 2:13 (The Message)
Joseph’s ability to act swiftly on a divine instruction to move his family from a certain location to another is one memorable part of his story as a father. Remember that he trusted God with his role even when he did not understand or see the full picture. We see how he stood with Mary as she chose to trust God with his purpose for her life. His spirit was open to receive God’s instruction and he had a heart that had learnt to trust God for the lives and future of those entrusted to him as his family.
Fatherhood is a high calling that comes with great responsibility. A father wears many caps – leader, provider, protector, guide, helper, role-model, intercessor, support etc. And more than ever, he needs the presence and help of God to function well in these roles.
Jesus said – “Without me, you can do nothing.” An intentional and intimate relationship with God is needed to thrive in your walk as a father. Apart from God, you will not be in your best state to function in your God-given role and purpose as a father. You need to stay in God and remain connected to Him to bring forth worthy fruits in your life as a father.
I am the vine, you are the branches: He that stays in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. – John 15:5
A Short Prayer for Fathers
Lord, I pray today for fathers around the world. Let your Spirit fill them afresh. Give them clarity about their roles, duties and purpose as a father. Forgive them for those times they have fallen short in their lives as fathers. Break the barriers, strongholds and walls that have become a limitation in their minds. Cut him off from people and ideas that seek to turn their hearts away from God.
Surround them with the gift of godly men and mentors. Give him a compelling vision for his life and the needed will and desire to see his dreams and vision come to life. Help him to embrace godly values and stay firmly rooted in Christ. Let his life, words and actions always be a shining light and beautiful example to his children. Give him the courage to always stand for what is right.
May his heart thirst for you at all times. May he seek you first above everything else. May your words come alive to him. May he find the secrets buried within the pages of scripture. May he encounter the person of Jesus. May he be blessed in uncommon ways. May he be true and worthy example of what it means to be a father. In Jesus Name. Amen!
“The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.” – Proverbs 20:7
A Father’s Prayer
Dear God,
I look to you alone.
Give me courage to stand firm in Christ.
I give you my heart.
Let all that I am always bring glory to you Lord.
I will trust in your sovereignty.
Help me to believe even when I do not understand.
I will listen when you speak.
Open my eyes to see and ears to hear your voice.
I will seek you with my whole heart.
Fill me with Your wisdom and direct my every path.
Heavenly Father,
Guide me on this journey of fatherhood.
Make me and mold be into a worthy role model for my children.
Help me to train them up in the way of the Lord.
Give me the wisdom to lead them and shape them into who you want them to be.
Open my heart to love my family the way Jesus loves us.
Give me a servant’s heart that I may lead with wisdom, courage and faith.
Teach me how to pray and intercede for my children.
Show me how to guide their paths and lives through prayer.
Strengthen me through every challenge and difficult season.
Fill me with hope and faith for each new day.
Surround me with the needed friends and community for this journey.
Hold me in my deepest valley and never let me go.
Bless the work of my hands that I may always have more than enough.
Throw open the doors of favor and blessings in my life.
Dear God,
May your word be my guiding light.
May your voice be my inner compass.
May your Spirit be my greatest companion.
May I be a worthy Father just like my Heavenly Father.
Amen!
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