It had been a great weekend. It was just she and her dad, and other teenage daughters with their dads. They had all enjoyed the three study sessions with interspersed fun activities like high-ropes, zip-line, laser-tag in the woods and a game of kickball. The study sessions were engaging and each session was followed by structured one-on-one father-daughter discussion time. As the weekend wrapped up, all the fathers and daughters walked down to an outside chapel area.
Now her eyes were focused on her dad. He had never spoken to her like this, certainly not with other people around. His voice broke as he told her how much he loved her and wanted to make sure she knew that he would always be available for her. He talked about a couple of favorite memories that made them both laugh and cry. And then he prayed over her, blessing her uniqueness and encouraging her to grow in the gifts the Lord had given her. Then they shared a hug.
"…a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!'” – Matthew 17:5. Jesus’ Dad had already blessed Him at His baptism (Matthew 3:16-17). Did He really need to bless Jesus again? God did not “need” to do anything nor did Jesus “need” His Father’s blessing. The need is for us earthly fathers to take note of His example – We are to bless our daughters and sons as they mature to provide clear markers and encouragement on the journey of life. It may be at confirmation, middle school graduation, sweet 16th birthday, high school graduation, etc… Text ‘DAD’ to 22828 if you would like a copy of “Dad’s Game Plan” for reference.
Tips for affirming and blessing your daughter – Expand on these four points:
- “I bless you ________. You are my daughter, whom I love and with whom I am well pleased …”
- “You are beautiful in your uniqueness and I am blessed by the way you …”
- “One of my favorite memories with you is …”
- “My vision and prayer for you is…”
Prayer guide: Lord, thank You for daughters. What a blessing it has been to watch her grow - from fitting in one hand to watching her learn to ride a bike to teaching her to drive a car to talking with her about You, it continues to be a wonderful journey. By Your grace, arguments have been few and hugs have been many. Help me always be the father my daughter needs, a dad that points to You every day. I pray that because she knows me, she will know You as her Savior and Lord. Amen.
A faithful father affirms & blesses his daughter at key junctures of life.
