I have lived and worked at a home for needy children for almost 19 years. For most of the kids, one of their greatest needs is for a father who loves them. For the last two years only one biological father has come to visit his children here on a regular basis. Every year we have a big party for young ladies who are celebrating their 15th birthday. Last year I noticed one birthday girl who didn’t seem to be enjoying herself so much. I asked her what was wrong. She told me she was sad because her father didn’t come. This lament is for all the children in the world whose fathers don’t show up.

In the sacred space of lament, my heart echoes the cries of fatherless children, In a world where innocence collides with the harshness of affliction. Orphaned souls wandering through the shadows, Their pain a silent symphony, a tale of unspoken sorrows.

Oh Lord, Creator of families, hear our plea, For the fatherless children, longing for love on bended knee. In the absence of earthly protection and care, Wrap them in Your arms, their burdens to bear.

Their journey marked by an ache, a void so deep, In the silence of the night, they often weep. Aching for a father’s guidance, a tender embrace, Yearning for love’s warmth, a comforting grace.

In this lament, we lift up the broken stories, Of children orphaned, their lives filled with worries. Facing a world that seems cold and unkind, In their struggles and pain, Your mercy, may they find.

May the Church rise with open arms wide, To embrace the fatherless, be a family by their side. A reflection of Your love, pure and divine, In the midst of brokenness, let Your light brightly shine.

As we ponder the depth of their despair, Let our hearts be moved to love and care. For in the arms of compassion, a healing balm, Fatherless children find solace, sweet and calm.

Psalm 68:5-6 (NIV):

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing.”

God in your mercy, hear our cry for children throughout the world who have no father, due to war, death from sickness, or abandonment. You are a compassionate heavenly Father who longs to embrace every child who lives day by day without tender, loving care from an earthly father. Thank you for ministries like Foundation For His Ministry who come alongside the fatherless to love them, meet their physical needs, and most importantly, show them Your love and invite them to trust You to heal their broken hearts and help them flourish by walking through life with You. Amen.