A Prayer For Fathers!

As I look out my windows upon my Father's world this morning, everything is so beautiful and peaceful -- hardly a leaf is moving , and the quietness seems to speak to my soul---"Be still, and know that I am God."  From my vantage point this morning, it is difficult to imagine the turmoil going on in our nation and all around the world! And then my thoughts turn to the coming Lord's Day, which is Father's Day! 

As I think of Father's Day, I think of how desperately our nation and our homes need godly fathers who are men of courage -- strong leaders -- men of sterling character -- men of valor --  men of vision -- men who love their wife, their children, their God, and can say to them---"Follow me, as I follow Christ." 
I pray that this prayer of General Douglas MacArthur for his son will speak to the heart of every father today --

     "Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.
      Build me a son whose wishbone will not be where his backbone should be; a son who will know Thee -- and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.
      Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge.  Here, let him learn to stand up in the storm; here, let him learn compassion for those who fail.
      Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high; a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men; one who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.
      And after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously.  Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength.  Then I, his father, will dare to whisper, 'I have not lived in vain.'"