A Father's Prayer

O God, help me to be true to the great privilege

and great responsibility which you have given to me.

Help me to be an example and a friend 

to my children,

and a real partner to my wife 

Don't let me get so busy

with work and with outside things

that I am almost a stranger 

in my own home,

and that I take no interest

in household things.

Don't let me take for granted

all that is done for me,

and help me to keep love alive

within the home.

Keep me from habits

which make the work of the house harder,

and from ways which irritate and annoy,

or which get on the nerves

of those who live with me.

Give me health and strength 

and work to do,

to earn a living 

for those who who depend on me

and whom I love so much;

but help me to remember

that love is always

more important than money.

O God, you have given me

the name of father;

you have given me your own name;

help me to be true to it.

this I ask for your love's sake.

AMEN

taken from the book, Straight from the Heart, A Prayer companion as compiled and edited by Rev. Fr. Mario Jose C. Ladra