Here is a gift I gave to Jon on the day our daughter, Jael Sofia, was born (exactly one week ago). It is my prayer for him as a new father. Forgive the poor quality of recording. Because I created the track in secret, I couldn’t utilize his help in recording and mixing. This was the best I could do on my laptop 🙂 I hope you’re encouraged by the poem, especially if you are a father.
Track Used: “3055” by Ólafur Arnalds
A Prayer for Papa
To: Jon
Love: Quina
As the temple was a copy
and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary,
and we see now in a mirror dimly
what will in Heaven be fully known,
so my prayer for you, Papa,
is that in your newfound ministry
the Father’s heart for you will beat
all the more clearly,
your heart an echo of His own.
When you see your firstborn’s face
and in your heart exclaim,
“This is the most beautiful thing
I’ve ever made!”
may you be taken back to the sixth day
when God breathed life and delighted
in they who bore His image
and represented His name.
When you hear her first say
with eyes locked on your face, “Papa!”
May you remember that day
you were first changed, adopted
crying out that first time, “Abba, Father!”
When you cheer her on as
she takes her first steps
right into your arms,
may you be overcome with gladness that
the Father is pleased with the faith
you place in Him, in fact
He’s rejoicing every time you return,
delighted with each believing step.
When you think of all the ways
you want to express
your love for her
in small ways and big,
may you consider the Father’s
heart to give
good gifts to His children,
goodwill is yours in Him.
And when she tests your limits
and rebels in her sin,
may you be empowered
to lovingly discipline and to forgive
again and again,
being so fully convinced
the Father knows your own weak frame,
and yet shows compassion
His grace abounding every time
much more than your sin.
A father’s heart is a shadow
but the substance is God.
Your commitment just a drop
from His ocean of love.
My prayer for you is
to swim in that sea,
exploring its depths
as you cherish our seed.
