Father's Day | Sunday, 20 June 2021

Father's Day - Audio Version

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Father’s Day June 20, 2021

 A Beginning:
“Fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, Families in all shapes and sizes, worship the Lord our God. Loud singers and quiet hummers, quick learners and patient teachers, ocean surfers and mountain climbers, worship the Lord our God. We who feel younger than springtime or older than the hills, worship the Lord our God. We who go faster than the speed of light or slower than molasses, worship the Lord our God. On this special, holy day, worship the Lord our God.”

 An Invocation:
“Almighty God, you have set us as individuals in families. May our families be strengthened by your Spirit. Keep us close together so that no challenge can unravel the bindings of love that unite us. On this Father's Day, we pray that you will turn our hearts in tenderness toward one another. In the name of him who came into the little family of Nazareth. Amen.”

 A Prayer of Confession:
“Faithful God, persistent friend, you weave so many wonderful people into our lives: fathers and mothers, children and youth, friends and neighbors, teachers and preachers. Yet do we stop to acknowledge them as blessings from God? Do we say a word of thanks or whisper a prayer of gratitude?  Have we told our appreciation, written a word of encouragement, sung their praises?
Faithful God, forgive us for taking anyone for granted. Give us eyes to see the miracles around us. Give us hearts that know you care for each and every one. Give us voices to sing our thanks. Amen.”

 A Prayer for Father’s Day:
“O God, bless the fathers, Make them strong, Make them gentle, Give them courage, Fill them with love.  O God, bless the fathers, Flood them with joy. Give them patience. O loving God, Bless the fathers, and bless us all.”

 An Affirmation for Family:
“We believe God created families, small communities where we learn to love up close, celebrate life around the table meal, pray through difficulties, discover that we are children of God.

We believe God created humans not to be alone, but to live in relationship as friends, partners and companions.

We believe God sent Jesus so we could see the heights and depths of love, know that we have a second chance, discover that in loving service the world and our lives become better.

We believe God delights in our laughter, rejoices in our kindness, celebrates our faithfulness.

We believe God made us miracles and surrounds us with reminders, including this family of faith.”
 
A Prayer for Father’s Day:
“God who brings us mercy and nurture, bless all who have the joy and responsibility of fatherhood this day. We are grateful for fathers who build up their children with gentleness, who break out of stereotypes of strength to provide true, quiet support. We give you thanks for fathers who are husbands as well and keep the family as a priority in life.
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We pray for fathers who don't have time, who feel a burden, who find difficulty or might feel like they want to walk away. Steady and center them, O God, as part of your family. God, in your love, bless the fathers. Amen.”
 
God Bless our Father’s and Mother’s and all who have fulfilled that place in our lives.