We put together a list of prayers to be used for families, mothers, and fathers. God Himself chose these human relationships to describe the depth of His love for His people. Even God’s great plan of salvation is expressed not in individual terms but according to the ancient promise to Abraham: “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3, emphasis added). Whether families are big or small, rejoicing or mourning, our Father embraces the cares of His children.
Prayers and Hymns for all Families
Prayers for all Families
For our families, that the God of tenderness and Lord of all compassion draw us ever closer to Him and to one another as His family, the Church, and send us forth to live lives of love and charity to all the world, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For those who grieve the loss of children and for those who have been unable to have children, that they be comforted in their sorrow and longing and that they find support and love in the family of God, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For our families, that our heavenly Father endow all of us with a fuller appreciation of the gift of the families in which He has placed us and that He guide us day by day that we may truly be a family of faith where love is demonstrated at all times, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Hymns for All Families
- These Are the Holy Ten Commands (LSB 581)
- In Holy Conversation (LSB 772)
- Our Father, by Whose Name (LSB 863)
- Go, My Children, with My Blessing (LSB 922)
Prayers and Hymns for Mothers
Prayers for Moms
For the Holy Church throughout the world, the Mother of all the faithful, that as we wait for Christ’s return we daily show love to one another even as Christ has loved us, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For all mothers, especially those with little children, that God give them wisdom, love, strength, and patience to fulfill their calling, and that husbands, fathers, and children give them honor, love, and obedience that their lives be surrounded with joy and happiness, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Hymns for Mother's Day
- Our Father, by Whose Name (LSB 863)
- Now Thank We All Our God (LSB 895)
- For All the Faithful Women (LSB 855)
Prayers and Hymns for Fathers
Prayers for Dads
For fathers, as they carry out the work of their special vocation, that they ever be sources of strength and encouragement and bringers of family harmony, unity, and peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For all fathers, that they be examples of faith and godliness so that we continue in our generation to be people who live in the fear of the Lord and who bring blessings to others through our actions, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Hymns for Father's Day
- My Soul, Now Praise Your Maker (LSB 820)
- Children of the Heavenly Father (LSB 725)
- Father Welcomes (LSB 605)
Guide your family through daily devotions with these free hymn devotions guides.
*All hymn selections are from Lutheran Service Book. Each prayer is adapted from Creative Worship for the Lutheran Parish.