Father’s Day is almost here. On a day when we look to celebrate dads, for some guys it’s just another reminder of what he should be doing better or how he is falling short. I think every dad has been there at some point.  

In his book Understanding Your Man in the Mirror, Patrick Morley (see podcast episodes here and here) shares a letter he received from a husband.

“Wives, we are not nearly as emotionally strong as we put on. Yes, we are decision makers, but we often struggle with even simple decisions. Yes, we are great hunters, warriors, and competitors, but we desperately need strong encouragement and support from our wives.” 

Take it from me, an imperfect husband and dad, your husband needs encouragement and support from you more than anyone in his life.  

You may have seen the Kendrick Brothers movie Courageous, and I think it’s exciting that they are re-releasing the film this year with some pretty cool updates and additions. The story is about a group of fathers, and the movie really focuses on their roles and responsibilities as dads. But even in the Courageous Living Bible Study based on the film, they insert this note for mothers.

“While we desperately need men to step up and be the fathers that God has called and equipped them to be, we also need women to understand that call and to provide the necessary support and daily encouragement to make it a reality for our families.” 

I wholeheartedly agree, and I hope I can encourage you that one of the greatest ways to support and encourage your husband is through prayer. We know that God works through prayer, and often that work is done in our own hearts as well as in the situation we are praying for. 

This Father’s Day, will you consider committing to praying faithfully for your husband if you haven’t already established this habit?

Perhaps a resource such as Stormie Omartian’s book, The Power of a Praying Wife, would be a great place to begin or further your prayers. She includes 31 specific prayer points including a chapter on praying for his fatherhood. 

I praise God that his strength is made perfect in my weakness, and I praise God for a supportive and encouraging wife who is willing to go before the throne of God on my behalf. It is one of my greatest blessings in life. 

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10