Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Colossians 3:21 (NIV).

Build me children Lord, who will be strong enough to know they’re weak, brave enough to face themselves when they’re afraid, and humble enough to confess their pride. May they know that to know You is to know life. In defeat make them gracious and in victory gentle. When they falter give them courage, when they fail extend grace, and when they suffer help them endure.

Build me children Lord, whose hearts are clean, lips are pure, vision sure, and ways true. May they know they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them. In times of joy may they never forget how to weep and in times of sadness never forget how to laugh. Help them live for today – not worry about tomorrow. Wherever they go – go with them I pray.

And after all these are theirs, add enough humour that they may be serious, enough backbone to be dependent, and enough of a challenge to build character. Give them the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength, and the passion of true faith. May they live only all for You. Give them the love that conquers all, the discipline of warriors, and the tenacity to endure to the very end.

Then I, their father, in the secret corner of my heart, will whisper, “Thank you Lord, I have not lived in vain!”