VICAR

Dear Readers of Country Squire Magazine, I trust that You are well and healthy and enjoying these summer days even if they are producing weather as changeable as England’s form in the football. To those readers who are fathers, I wish You a very Happy Father’s Day.

The task of fathering can sometimes seem like the easier of the two tasks! At other times it is the hardest task in the world. The Bible is full of useful assistance on fathering:

Psalm 103:13: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.”

Proverbs 22:6: “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

For those who are fathers, we ask for wisdom and humility in the face of the task of parenting. Give them the strength to do well by their children and by You. In Your Holy name, O God, we pray.

Amen.

If You can contact Your father today then please try. Such days are great opportunities to mend and build. If You are a father, do not expect a call but instead try to engineer one. If Your father has passed and you are taking a trip to the cemetery, please try the following prayer:

“O God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest,
send your holy Angel to watch over this grave.
Through Christ our Lord.”

Amen

Whatever You are doing today I wish You well and I am praying for You. Be well. God Bless You all. Have a peaceful and loving day followed by a successful and productive week to come.

Finally, here is a general prayer for today which may be useful as We remember those less blessed than ourselves who find today a hard day indeed:

We remember fathers, whose families are torn apart by jealousy, fighting and misunderstandings.
We remember fathers who are older, but who still bear the responsibility of raising children and grandchildren. And we remember fathers who mean well, but make mistakes.
Mother Father God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Amen