Clergy from left, Deacon Amy Schmuck, Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, retired, The Rev. Mary Ann Hill. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com

By The Rev. Mary Ann Hill
Rector
Trinity on the Hill

I think one of the biggest surprises I’ve had, in my 25 years of ordained ministry, is how many people who don’t realize that there is no such thing as a perfect family. Every family has struggles, and relationships can be especially hard. Some problems are bigger than others, but I’ve rarely encountered an issue that was unique to one family. I don’t betray confidences, but I do tell people that they aren’t alone – that others struggle, too.

Maintaining healthy relationships is hard work. Sometimes our values don’t line up. Sometimes there are painful things that have never been resolved. Sometimes one party chooses to walk away instead of working things out. And that can be a source of great sorrow, even if we don’t admit it to ourselves.

That’s why days like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day can sometimes be difficult. When I look out at a congregation, I often know who has lost a parent, who is estranged from parents or children, who hasn’t been able to have children, and more.

So if you celebrate, I wish you a Happy Father’s Day. If you don’t celebrate, because this is a hard day for you, I hope you will still read the prayer below. It covers a variety of circumstances, and was shared in an email by Episcopal Communicators.

A Prayer for Father’s Day

On this Father’s Day, we give thanks to you, O God, for the gift of fatherhood in all its forms. We give thanks for the fathers among us today; for our own fathers, those living and those who have passed away;

We remember before you, O God, the fathers who loved us well and those who fell short of loving us fully. Likewise, we remember those fathers who have been wounded by their children; grant us all the peace of your redeeming love.

We remember before you, O God, those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely choose the obligation of fatherhood and nurtured love and respect. We give thanks for those men who have no children but cherish the next generation as if they were their own. We remember before you also all who hope to be fathers someday, those whose hope to have children has been frustrated, and fathers whose children have died; comfort and uphold them in your loving care.

We give you thanks, O God, for all those who have helped fill the void when our fathers were not present – grandfathers, uncles, brothers, cousins, teachers, mentors, and coaches – all those who reveal your image, show us your love, and help us grow; may we all have the courage to be such agents of your grace.

And now encourage and bless all those who shoulder the work of provision and who strive to protect and nurture your beloved children. Send us your Holy Spirit, so that we may also be bearers of your strength and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Editor’s note: ‘All Shall Be Well’ is a column written by local women clergy, including The Rev. Mary Ann Hill, Rector, Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church (momaryannhill@gmail.com); Deacon Amy Schmuck, Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church (deaconamy@bethluth.com); and ELCA Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, M.Div., retired (czoebidd@gmail.com).