A Fathers Day Prayer: For Dads, dad-like, and the dad-less

Me and my father Romeo at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Gracious and Loving God,

Today we thank you for the gift of fathers—for Abraham, who trusted your promise; for Isaac, who blessed the next generation; for Jacob, who wrestled and grew into the name “Israel.”

We remember Joseph, who raised a child not his own and the father of the prodigal son, whose arms were always open.

Lord, we thank you for the dads who taught us how to stand; who showed up, who held us when we cried; who worked long days and prayed long nights.

We thank you for fathers who said, “I’m proud of you,” and for the ones who are still learning how.

But Lord, we also lift up those who never knew their fathers, who were hurt by them, abandoned by them, or left grieving too soon.

Wrap your arms around the fatherless, Lord. Be their steady rock, their provider, their protector.

And we give thanks today for the father figures—for uncles, coaches, teachers, elders, pastors, neighbors, friends, strangers—who stepped in, stepped up, and said, “I’ll be there for you.”

Remind us, O God, that fatherhood is not about titles or biology—it’s about love that shows up.

Love that sacrifices.

Love that reflects you, our Heavenly Parent, who never leaves us, never forsakes us.

Make our fathers bold in faith, tender in mercy, strong in justice, and rooted in your grace.

Help them raise up children not just with discipline, but with dignity. Not just with rules, but with righteousness.

And Lord, for the ones who never got it right—for the broken, the burdened, the trying again—let this be the day of a new beginning.

In the name of God the Creator, Christ the Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, we say together: Amen.

My brother Jun and father Romeo in our hometown Honolulu, Hawaii. Photo: Gerald Farinas.