Here’s a prayer reflection for Father’s Day. It was posted on the Austin Stone Worship website.
Reflection for Father’s Day:
The Longing and the Love
We long for the perfect protection
of a father,
for strong arms that encircle us,
hold us tight to a broad chest,
a beating heart.
for strong arms that encircle us,
hold us tight to a broad chest,
a beating heart.
Arms that toss us into the air,
screaming with laughter and a little fear,
even though we know those arms will always catch us.
screaming with laughter and a little fear,
even though we know those arms will always catch us.
From the moment we gasp our first
breath of air,
we long for the perfect father.
We long for a father who sacrifices,
who lays down his time to play games,
We long for a father who sacrifices,
who lays down his time to play games,
read our favorite book one more
time,
or take a long walk and listen.
Who reaches into his pocket
or take a long walk and listen.
Who reaches into his pocket
and pulls out a dollar for ice
cream.
Who reaches deeper to provide a good home,
Who reaches deeper to provide a good home,
good food, and good gifts.
We long for a father who always protects,
We long for a father who always protects,
always cheers, and always
sacrifices.
Some of us are blessed to find
bits and pieces of these longings
met in human form,
Like sun through stained glass—a brilliant picture,
illuminated by our Father who satisfies these longings.
met in human form,
Like sun through stained glass—a brilliant picture,
illuminated by our Father who satisfies these longings.
We thank God for fathers who
protect,
who encourage with strong words,
who encourage with strong words,
and strong convictions;
fathers willing to sacrifice,
striving to love.
fathers willing to sacrifice,
striving to love.
But some of us are grieving.
Grieving the loss of a good father,
or the lack of one.
Some never knew their father’s arms,
and some bear scars,
on skin and soul,
dealt from a father’s swinging arms.
At some point, all of us are left longing.
Lacking.
Grieving the loss of a good father,
or the lack of one.
Some never knew their father’s arms,
and some bear scars,
on skin and soul,
dealt from a father’s swinging arms.
At some point, all of us are left longing.
Lacking.
No human father can perfectly
satisfy.
Look up and know your Father in Heaven
Look up and know your Father in Heaven
gave you these longings,
and only He can perfectly fulfill them.
His strong arms protect,
His words bring life and light.
His perfect sacrifice draws us to His side,
where we can hear His heart beating with perfect love for us.
and only He can perfectly fulfill them.
His strong arms protect,
His words bring life and light.
His perfect sacrifice draws us to His side,
where we can hear His heart beating with perfect love for us.
We celebrate our fathers on earth,
and our Father in heaven.
We give thanks for the longing,
and give thanks for the love.
and our Father in heaven.
We give thanks for the longing,
and give thanks for the love.
~ written
by Brian Lundin for worship at Austin Stone. Posted on the Austin
Stone Worship website. https://www.austinstoneworship.com/a-fathers-day-call-to-worship/