# Prayers for fathers
*2015-06-21*

> In honor of Father's Day, Bill Young reflects on the challenges of father-child relationships and offers prayers for the strength and guidance of fathers everywhere.

## Healing the father-child bond

Today is Father's Day, and I hope all the fathers out there have a happy and wonderful day. Looking at the trends on Twitter, I noticed many unique situations—women wishing themselves a happy Father's Day, and many children who did not see their fathers for most of their lives, or perhaps not at all. 

Speaking from my personal experience, my parents separated and divorced when I was five years old, and I did not speak to my father until my early 20s. To those children and women facing similar challenges, I suggest that if you can reach out to your fathers and talk to them, do so. Forgive them. In the long run, it benefits you not to hold a grudge. You may not totally forget, but hopefully, you will forgive.

## A simple prayer for fathers

Because this is such an important day, I have a couple of prayers I like to share. The first is a short Father's Day prayer: 

Dear God, please bless all fathers in the world. Guide them to be good role models and loving to their families. Help them to be a father like you are. Give them the patience and grace to handle situations in a loving way. Amen.

## Seeking the intercession of St. Joseph

I also have a prayer for fathers written by Saint Pope John XXIII. It asks for the intercession of St. Joseph, the guardian of Jesus and chaste husband of Mary: 

St. Joseph, you passed your life in the loving fulfillment of duty. You supported the Holy Family of Nazareth with the work of your hands. Kindly protect those who trustworthily come to you. You know their aspirations, their hardships, and their hopes. They look to you to become [unclear], knowing you will understand and protect them. 

You too knew trials, labors, and weariness. But amid the worries of material life, your soul was filled with deep peace and sang out in true joy through intimacy with God's son entrusted to you with Mary, his tender mother. Assure those whom you protect that they do not labor alone. Teach them to find Jesus near them and to watch over him faithfully as you have done.

*Reach out to your fathers and seek forgiveness, as it helps not only them, but yourselves.*