Liturgy For Father's Day

The following liturgy may be used in small or large family celebrations or in gatherings of the larger worshiping community. Adapt to local needs and customs.

Gathering

Leader: Dear family, this day is a very special day for us all, for on this day we honor the Father. Hear the word of the Lord: "Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you." (Deut. 5:16).

Let us pray. Lord God, we gather in your name to honor our father. Like you, our father provides for us, directs our paths into truth, and leads us into the way that is right. Grant that we should love him to his benefit and your glory, through Christ our Lord. Amen. The Scripture Readings

Reader 1: A reading from Proverbs:

(wife) "Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding; For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law. When I was my father's [son, daughter], Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, He also taught me, and said to me: 'Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live. Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you.'" (Prov. 4:1–9). This is the word of the Lord. Response: Thanks be to God. Reader 2: A reading from Proverbs: "My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the first fruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest his correction; For whom the Lord loves he corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights." (3:1–12) This is the word of the Lord. Response: Thanks be to God. The Blessing

Leader: I invite you to join with me in blessing the Father by saying: "What I like about you is..." or "I appreciate and acknowledge you for..." or "I give thanks to God that..."

Let us bless our Father in prayer. Father in heaven, we bless you for our father on earth. For you have given him to us to be a mirror of your fatherly goodness. From him we have learned of your love, through him we have experienced your covenantal faithfulness, by his life we have a model of your law, and from his sacrificial self-giving we have learned of your sacrifice for us. Grant him fullness of life. May he enjoy strength and health. May he experience joy and laughter; and may his children rise up to make him glad. We pray this for his benefit and to the glory of God the Father in whose name we pray. All: Amen.