For the Prayers of the Church

O God, by whom all fatherhood in heaven and on earth is named, we give You thanks and praise for our fathers on earth, and for the good gifts of daily bread that You provide Your children through them.  Grant to all men the grace to serve with a compassion after Your own heart, caring for their own families, for Your Church, and for widows and orphans in distress; that they would use the strength and skill You have given them, to defend, protect, and support the weak and the small and all of their neighbors; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.