God,

Today is a day where
Fathers are recognized and honored.
Yet for many,
This day can come with heartache,
Anger,
Deep pain.

Not because of who you are
But because of how some men in our lives
Have treated us.
Have abandoned us.
Have failed us. 

For those for whom the word father
Brings a response of trauma,
Be their healer.

For those for whom a father figure
Has brought abuse, neglect, pain,
Be their comforter.

For those for whom the term father
Brings hopelessness in their own
Desire to become a father,
Be their companion. 

For those for whom their fathers
Have been a blessing, a guide, a friend,
Be there to celebrate with them. 

Remind us today that
Despite words in the Bible
You don’t fit a gender identity,
That you weren’t created in our image,
That you’re more than Abba.

Show your true self today.
Amen.