Father, each spring as we see tiny featherless fledglings pressed tightly against their mothers in the hollow of their family nest, we’re reminded of the human love children experience from their parents’ safekeeping. We thank You for the love and care You extend to us through the preordained parents who’ve cared for us from birth to independence. Thank You for their model of love, sacrifice, duty, protection, and many other virtuous qualities needed to properly raise their families. Their example greatly influences the way we raise our own children.
We also pray for those whose relationship with their parent is a role reversal where they must act as the parent when their own parent behaves as a needy and sometimes defiant child. May Your multiplied mercies sustain these caregivers in their ongoing difficult role so that, above all, You are honored and they find deep peace in the midst of the turmoil. Thank You, Father, for our human family and our spiritual family. And we thank You for our heavenly family that awaits our arrival. In the name of Christ Jesus Your Son we pray. Amen.