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A Father’s Day Prayer of Hope: For the Dad Who Fought an Alligator and for Every Other Brave Dad

  • Debbie McDaniel

    Debbie's HeadshotDebbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, and mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's Facebook page for daily encouragement in living…

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  • Updated Jun 17, 2016

Many in our nation have grieved this week. For the loss of young lives, for such tragic events. And on this Father’s Day Weekend, my heart goes out to every dad who longs to protect his child, who longs to cover them in the safety of his presence.

Thank you Dads.

We’ve heard the stories, and we relate to their pain, we grieve with their families, we hurt with them, because we know deep down, this could have happened to any of us.

An incredibly courageous dad fought an alligator this week, to save his precious son. And many of you would have done the same, for you’d do anything for your kids. Because you’re brave. You’re bold. And you’re strong.

49 fathers received a phone call this week, which no parent ever wants to get. Their child had been killed, innocent lives lost, at the hand of a crazed gunman. And the pain seems too fierce, and the world weeps. Because you’re loving. You’re compassionate. And you’re kind.

Another dad who was raising a young, talented musician knows the deep grief they feel. For just last week, his beautiful daughter, Christina Grimmie, stepped straight into the arms of Jesus, after a man took her life as she signed autographs and talked with fans. And their precious family are covered in prayers. Because you're faithful. You're warriors. And you know where real strength is found.

And the stories go on…tragedy, loss, and hardship.

Yet His reminders and Truth still shine strong, over this weekend, as we honor Dads.

For we know this:

Just as you fight so hard for your kids, God fights for you as well.

Just as you’d do anything for them, He wants to give you even more than you could imagine.

Just as you’d lay down your own life for them, without even thinking, in a moment’s notice, He’s given His life for you.

Just as you want to protect them forever and keep their footsteps secure, He sets His protection and security over you, and offers you an eternity with Him.

It doesn’t mean the way is always easy. He never promises that we won’t face giants and obstacles, or trials and pain, or devastation and loss. But it does mean this: we never walk alone.

We can be assured He is with us, close, and He is with our children, our families, even when we can’t be, even when we can’t fully shield them from every attack they will face in this life.

And it means there’s a more powerful, loving Father who surrounds our children, at every hour of every day, both here on earth and for eternity. We can trust, that even in the most difficult of times, when we suffer tremendous loss, and find ourselves saying goodbye to precious souls way too early in this life, we can rest assured, they are safe in the arms of Jesus.

He holds them.

He’s with them.

They are in a place of safety, security, peace, and tremendous joy.

They run streets of gold - free, wild, and strong.

They laugh. They play. And are surrounded in great love.

And someday…we will see them again.

I’ve been reminded this week, how truly precious life really is. How I want every moment to count. And though we’re not guaranteed a tomorrow, God’s given us today. This day.

Dads, you are powerful in the lives of your kids. You are hero status. You are a solid foundation. You hold the potential for such great influence in all the generations to come.

We pray for God’s mighty blessing and strength to rest on you this day, and every day, as you seek to love well, live wisely, walk strong, and raise your children to know and honor Him.

Dear God,

We thank you for the gift of Dads in this life. We thank you that you are the greatest Dad ever, Abba Father, and we know that you cover us in your great love.

We pray for your blessing, favor, and strength over every Dad in this world, for those who are seeking to walk closely with you in a dark world, and for those who just need to be reminded that you are real. We ask for your renewed courage, for your boldness, for your Spirit to fill them. Make them always aware and alert of the schemes of the enemy. We ask that you would keep their footsteps firm, and guard their way. We ask that you would help them to always stand strong, to be men of faith, to say “no” to what is wrong and to say “yes” to what is right. We ask that you would fill their hearts with love, compassion, joy, faithfulness, and cover their lives with great peace.

Lord, we pray that you would raise up mighty men, godly men, in this generation, those who would know and honor you with their entire lives. We pray that they would stand firm in the faith, walk wisely, and follow hard after you. May they grow in their love and passion for you, for their families, and in the calling to follow you above all else. Thank you for dads who fight for their families, who do battle in prayer over those they love.

We ask that you would you turn around the man that has left, who needs the grace and forgiveness you offer, that one who has followed after other things. Lord, give him no rest, until he turns fully back to you, and turns his heart towards home. We thank you that nothing is impossible with you. We thank you that no pit is too deep for your reach, no man is too far gone, for you to step in and rescue. Thank you that you are a God who fights for us.

Thank you God that your Word is true. We hold fast to you today, we choose to immerse our lives in your Truth. We know that you are with us always and cover us in your power and strength.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Know that you are greatly loved and strongly supported by a Powerful God...Your Father is with you, always.

“Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be men of courage, be strong. Do everything in love." 1 Cor. 16:13-14

 “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Ps. 1:1-3

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Josh. 1:9

“…but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Josh. 24:15

“He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.” Prov. 14:26

“The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.” Ps. 37:23-24

"The Lord is with you mighty warrior..." Judges. 6:12

Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's facebook page, DebbieWebbMcDaniel, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also at Twitter or Web Site.