The absence of a father can leave a profound void in a child’s life, creating a landscape of unmet needs and unspoken longings. This spiritual and emotional distance can impact development, relationships, and a sense of security. For many, the pain of an absent father is a constant companion, a quiet ache that prayer can help to soothe and transform. In these moments of deep need, turning to God offers a source of comfort, guidance, and unwavering love that can fill the emptiness left by human absence.
Engaging in prayer for absent fathers is not just about seeking solace for oneself; it is also about interceding for the fathers themselves, for the children affected, and for the restoration of broken relationships. It is an act of hope, believing that God can work in miraculous ways, bringing healing, reconciliation, and a deeper understanding of His perfect love. This practice encourages a dependent reliance on God’s divine strength, recognizing that He is the ultimate source of comfort and provision, far surpassing any human capacity.
This article is a heartfelt invitation to embark on a prayerful journey. Within these pages, you will find a collection of prayers designed to uplift, inspire, and guide you. Each prayer is crafted with the intention of drawing you closer to God, helping you to release your burdens, and to embrace His perfect plan. May these prayers serve as a source of strength and a testament to the enduring power of faith in the face of absence.
20+ Powerful Prayers for Absent Fathers with Scriptures
1. Prayer for Healing from the Pain of Absence
Heavenly Father, I come before You today with a heart heavy from the pain of my father’s absence. I acknowledge the void he has left and the hurt that lingers. Lord, I pray for Your divine healing to flow through my soul, mending the wounds of abandonment and rejection. Help me to release the bitterness and resentment, and to embrace Your perfect love that never fails. Grant me the grace to forgive, not for their sake, but for my own freedom and peace.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 (NLT)
Lord, I confess that sometimes I feel unseen and unloved because of this absence. I ask You to fill that space with Your overwhelming presence. Remind me daily that I am Your child, cherished and valued, and that Your love is constant and true. Help me to see myself through Your eyes, not through the lens of my father’s absence. I surrender this pain to You, trusting that You can bring restoration and wholeness to my life.
“He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3 (NLT)
Father, I pray for a deep understanding of Your unfailing love. Help me to lean on You as my ultimate source of security and affirmation. May Your Spirit comfort me in moments of loneliness and remind me that I am never truly alone. I release the need for human validation and seek my identity in You, my eternal Father. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for Your promise to never leave or forsake me.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
2. Prayer for Strength to Overcome Feelings of Rejection
God of all comfort, I lift up my heart to You, acknowledging the sting of rejection that often accompanies an absent father. It is a difficult feeling to bear, and I pray for Your strength to rise above it. Help me to understand that my worth is not determined by his presence or absence, but by Your unconditional love for me. Grant me the resilience to face these feelings head-on, knowing that You are my ultimate defender and advocate.
“Though my father and mother leave me, the Lord will receive me.” – Psalm 27:10 (NLT)
Lord, I ask for Your Holy Spirit to empower me. When feelings of rejection threaten to overwhelm me, remind me of Your unwavering acceptance. Help me to internalize Your love and to build my self-esteem on the solid foundation of Your Word. I pray for wisdom to discern between the pain of the past and the truth of Your present love. Give me the courage to step out of the shadows of doubt and into the light of Your grace.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
Father, I pray for a renewed sense of identity in You. Help me to see myself as Your beloved child, created in Your image, and destined for greatness. May Your truth permeate my thoughts and transform my perspective. I release the need to seek validation from those who have been absent, and instead, I seek Your approval, which is eternal and perfect. Thank You for Your promise to strengthen me and to help me stand tall.
“But in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” – Romans 8:37 (NLT)
3. Prayer for Wisdom in Navigating Fatherless Challenges
Almighty God, the journey of growing up without a father presents unique challenges. I pray for Your divine wisdom to guide me through these complexities. Grant me discernment to make wise decisions, especially in areas where I may lack a father’s direct counsel. Help me to seek out godly mentors and to learn from their experiences, while always remembering that You are my ultimate guide.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5 (NLT)
Lord, I pray for clarity in understanding Your will for my life. There are times when the path forward seems unclear, and I feel unsure of which direction to take. Please illuminate my steps, Lord, and provide me with the insight needed to navigate life’s decisions with confidence and faith. Help me to trust Your plan, even when it is not immediately apparent.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105 (NLT)
Father, I ask for Your protection over my mind and heart. Shield me from harmful influences and guide me toward wholesome relationships and experiences. Equip me with the knowledge and understanding to overcome obstacles and to grow stronger through every challenge. I surrender my future into Your capable hands, trusting that You have a good plan for me.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
4. Prayer for God to Be a Father to the Fatherless
Heavenly Father, You are the Father to the fatherless, the defender of the weak, and the hope of the hopeless. I call upon Your name today, acknowledging my need for Your fatherly presence in my life. Fill the void left by my earthly father’s absence with Your perfect love, guidance, and protection. Be my Father, Lord, in every aspect of my life.
“Father to the fatherless, defender of widows— this is God, whose holy dwelling is in.” – Psalm 68:5 (NLT)
Lord, I pray that Your Spirit would dwell within me, guiding my thoughts and actions. Help me to develop the qualities that a father’s presence might have instilled, such as courage, responsibility, and a strong moral compass. Instill in me a deep sense of Your love and acceptance, so that I may grow into the person You created me to be.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth.” – John 14:16-17 (NLT)
Father, I ask for Your strength to face the world with confidence. Remind me that I am never alone, for You are always with me. May Your presence be a constant source of comfort and reassurance. I trust in Your unfailing love and Your promise to care for me, Your child.
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)
5. Prayer for Reconciliation and Restoration
Gracious God, I pray for the possibility of reconciliation and restoration in relationships affected by my father’s absence. If it is Your will, Lord, I ask for healing and understanding to bridge the gap that has formed. Soften hearts, Lord, and open doors for communication and forgiveness. May Your love be the foundation upon which any renewed relationship is built.
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” – 2 Corinthians 5:18 (NLT)
Lord, I surrender the outcome of this situation into Your hands. If reconciliation is not possible, grant me the grace to accept Your plan and to find peace in Your sovereignty. Help me to release any lingering hurt and to move forward in Your love, knowing that You have a purpose for every circumstance.
“Do not repay evil with evil. Be thoughtful about what is right in the sight of all people. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:17-18 (NLT)
Father, I pray for healing for all parties involved. May Your love and forgiveness permeate every heart, bringing peace and wholeness. I trust that You can bring good out of every situation, and I commit myself to Your loving care.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
6. Prayer for Protection Over Children Affected by Absent Fathers
Loving Father, I lift up to You all children who are growing up without the presence of their fathers. Protect them from harm, Lord, both physical and spiritual. Surround them with Your loving care and provide them with godly influences that will guide them in Your ways. Shield them from the negative impacts of this absence and nurture them in Your unfailing love.
“He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” – Psalm 91:15 (NLT)
Lord, I pray for Your Spirit to be a constant companion to these children. Comfort them in their loneliness, guide them in their decisions, and strengthen them in their times of need. May they always know that they are deeply loved by You, their Heavenly Father, who will never leave them.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)
Father, I ask for Your intervention in situations where children are vulnerable. Provide safe havens, supportive communities, and loving individuals who can offer them the guidance and affection they need. May Your love be a beacon of hope in their lives, illuminating their path and assuring them of their worth.
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
7. Prayer for the Absent Father Himself
Heavenly Father, I pray for my father, who is absent from my life. I pray for his well-being, his safety, and his spiritual health. Lord, I ask that You would draw him close to You, that he may come to know Your love and forgiveness. Soften his heart, Lord, and reveal Yourself to him in a powerful way.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)
Lord, if there are burdens he carries, I pray that You would lift them. If he is lost, guide him back to Your path. If he is hurting, bring him Your healing. I release any anger or hurt I hold towards him and entrust him into Your loving care. May Your grace surround him and transform his life.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 (NLT)
Father, I pray that he may experience Your love and presence in his life. May he find peace and purpose in You. I commit him to Your sovereign hand, trusting that You can bring about change and healing in his life, and in our relationship, according to Your perfect will.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 (NLT)
8. Prayer for Strength to Build Healthy Relationships
Lord God, the absence of a father can sometimes make it difficult to form healthy relationships. I pray for Your guidance as I navigate my connections with others. Help me to build relationships based on trust, respect, and mutual love. Grant me the discernment to recognize healthy dynamics and the courage to distance myself from those that are not.
“Two people are better off than one, for they have good returns for their labor.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLT)
Father, I ask for Your Holy Spirit to teach me how to love others well, just as You love me. Help me to communicate effectively, to set healthy boundaries, and to be a supportive friend, partner, or family member. May my relationships reflect Your love and grace to the world.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NLT)
Lord, I pray for Your strength to overcome any insecurities or fears that may hinder my ability to form deep and meaningful connections. Help me to be vulnerable and open, trusting in Your protection and guidance. May my relationships be a source of joy, encouragement, and growth.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT)
9. Prayer for a Future Father Figure’s Guidance
Heavenly Father, as I look towards the future, I pray for Your guidance in finding positive male role models and father figures in my life. Surround me with wise, godly men who can offer support, encouragement, and mentorship. May they reflect Your character and Your love in their interactions with me.
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” – Proverbs 12:26 (NLT)
Lord, I ask that You would place people in my life who can offer sound advice and perspective. Help me to be open to their wisdom and to learn from their experiences. May these relationships be a blessing and a source of strength as I continue to grow and mature.
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” – Proverbs 19:20 (NLT)
Father, I pray that these relationships would be built on a foundation of Your love and truth. May they point me towards You and help me to become the person You created me to be. Thank You for Your promise to provide for all my needs, including the need for godly guidance.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
10. Prayer for Inner Peace Amidst Absence
Peace-giving God, I come to You today seeking inner peace amidst the challenges of my father’s absence. The emotional turmoil can be overwhelming, and I pray for Your calming presence to settle my spirit. Quiet the anxieties, Lord, and replace them with Your perfect peace that surpasses all understanding.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27 (NLT)
Lord, help me to trust in Your sovereignty and Your plan for my life. When doubts and fears arise, remind me of Your promises and Your faithfulness. Grant me the ability to rest in Your love, knowing that You are in control, even when circumstances feel chaotic.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
Father, I pray for a deep sense of contentment that comes from knowing You. May I find my joy and security in You, regardless of my earthly circumstances. Help me to cultivate a heart of gratitude, focusing on the blessings You have already bestowed upon me.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4 (NLT)
11. Prayer for Understanding and Acceptance
Compassionate Father, I pray for the grace to understand and accept the reality of my father’s absence. Help me to see the situation with clarity, free from the distortions of anger or self-pity. Grant me the wisdom to acknowledge what I cannot change and the strength to move forward with hope.
“Everything that happens in this world happens at some planned time.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)
Lord, I ask for Your perspective on this matter. Help me to release the need for explanations that may never come and to find peace in Your divine wisdom. May I accept that Your plans are perfect, even when they are difficult to comprehend.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.” – Isaiah 55:8 (NLT)
Father, I pray for a spirit of acceptance that allows me to move beyond the pain and embrace the future You have planned for me. Help me to trust that You are working all things for my good, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 (NLT)
12. Prayer for the Emotional Well-being of Children
Loving God, I pray for the emotional well-being of children who are experiencing the absence of their fathers. Protect their hearts from deep-seated hurt and insecurity. Nurture their emotional growth, Lord, and help them to develop a healthy sense of self-worth and resilience.
“But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.'” – Luke 18:16 (NLT)
Lord, I ask that Your Holy Spirit would minister to their emotions, bringing comfort, healing, and understanding. Help them to process their feelings in healthy ways and to find support from loving caregivers and mentors. May they always feel seen, heard, and valued.
“He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, he will gently carry the ewes along with their young.” – Isaiah 40:11 (NLT)
Father, I pray for them to develop a strong emotional foundation rooted in Your unfailing love. May they learn to trust, to love, and to express themselves healthily, becoming well-adjusted and thriving individuals.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
13. Prayer for Hope and a Bright Future
Hope-giving God, I pray for a renewed sense of hope and a vision for a bright future for all those affected by absent fathers. Despite the pain of the past, help them to believe in the possibility of healing, restoration, and joy. Ignite within them a desire to pursue their dreams and to live life to the fullest.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
Lord, I ask that You would open doors of opportunity and guide them toward paths that lead to fulfillment and purpose. Remove any obstacles that hinder their progress and empower them to overcome challenges with faith and determination.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield. In him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” – Psalm 28:7 (NLT)
Father, I pray that they would always remember that their future is secure in You. May they walk forward with confidence, knowing that You are with them every step of the way, guiding them toward a future filled with Your abundant blessings.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13 (NLT)
14. Prayer for the Strength to Break Cycles
Sovereign God, I pray for the strength to break negative cycles that may have been perpetuated by the absence of a father. Help me to learn from the past without being defined by it. Grant me the courage to choose a different path, one that leads to healing, wholeness, and positive generational impact.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
Lord, I ask for Your Holy Spirit to empower me to make choices that honor You and build a better future. Give me the wisdom to identify unhealthy patterns and the resolve to replace them with godly principles and behaviors.
“So, I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Galatians 5:16 (NLT)
Father, I pray for the grace to forgive those who may have contributed to these cycles, and for the strength to forgive myself for any mistakes made along the way. May Your love and redemption transform my life and the lives of those connected to me.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23 (NLT)
15. Prayer for a Father’s Love to Be Replaced by God’s Love
Loving Creator, I acknowledge the deep human need for a father’s love. While earthly fathers may be absent, I pray that Your perfect, unconditional love would fill that space in my heart. Help me to understand the depth and breadth of Your love for me, a love that is constant and unwavering.
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” – 1 John 3:1 (NLT)
Lord, I ask that Your Spirit would continually remind me of Your fatherly affection. May I find my identity and security in Your love, rather than in the presence or absence of an earthly father. Help me to internalize Your acceptance and to live from a place of being fully loved.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 (NLT)
Father, I pray that Your love would be the foundation of my emotional and spiritual well-being. May it empower me to love others well and to live a life that reflects Your goodness and grace. Thank You for being the perfect Father who is always present.
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” – 1 John 4:16 (NLT)
16. Prayer for Guidance in Fatherhood for Single Parents
Heavenly Father, I pray for single parents who are raising children without the other parent present. Grant them wisdom, strength, and patience as they navigate the responsibilities of both mother and father. Equip them to provide a loving and nurturing environment for their children, reflecting Your character in their parenting.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)
Lord, I ask for Your divine support for these parents. Provide them with resources, encouragement, and a strong support system. Help them to balance their responsibilities with self-care, ensuring they have the strength to continue their vital work.
“So, whether you eat or drink: do everything for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)
Father, I pray that their children would feel secure, loved, and well-provided for. May they grow up knowing Your love through their parent’s dedication and Your own unwavering presence. Bless their efforts and grant them success in raising godly children.
“The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” – Exodus 15:2 (NLT)
17. Prayer for the Healing of Generational Wounds
Almighty God, I pray for the healing of generational wounds that may stem from absent fathers. Break the chains of hurt, pain, and dysfunction that have been passed down through families. Restore wholeness and bring reconciliation, Lord, so that future generations may experience the fullness of Your love and blessing.
“He redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.” – Psalm 103:4 (NLT)
Lord, I ask that You would reveal any hidden hurts or patterns that need to be addressed. Grant us the courage to confront them and the grace to release them. May Your healing power flow through our family lines, bringing transformation and renewal.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
Father, I pray that we would become agents of healing and restoration for generations to come. May our lives be a testament to Your power to mend brokenness and to create a legacy of love and faithfulness.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
18. Prayer for Children to Know Their Heavenly Father
Gracious God, I pray that every child experiencing the absence of an earthly father would come to know You as their Heavenly Father. Reveal Yourself to them in a personal and profound way. Help them to understand the depth of Your love, Your protection, and Your unwavering presence in their lives.
“But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.” – Galatians 4:4 (NLT)
Lord, I ask that Your Holy Spirit would draw them close to You. Open their hearts to receive Your love and to trust in Your guidance. May they find in You the security, affirmation, and love that they may be missing from an earthly father.
“For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption of sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!'” – Romans 8:15 (NLT)
Father, I pray that they would grow up with a strong and intimate relationship with You. May they always know that they are cherished, protected, and deeply loved by their Heavenly Father, who will never leave them.
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)
19. Prayer for Discernment in Seeking Support
Wise God, I pray for discernment as I seek support and guidance in navigating the challenges of an absent father. Help me to identify trustworthy individuals and resources that will genuinely uplift and assist me. Guard me from those who might offer harmful advice or exploit my vulnerability.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:8 (NLT)
Lord, I ask for Your Spirit to grant me wisdom in choosing who to confide in and what advice to follow. May I be drawn to those who reflect Your love and truth, and who have a genuine desire for my well-being.
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” – Proverbs 11:3 (NLT)
Father, I pray that any support I receive would be aligned with Your will and purpose for my life. May it strengthen my faith, encourage my growth, and lead me closer to You. Thank You for Your promise to guide my steps.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
20. Prayer for Gratitude for God’s Constant Presence
Thankful God, even in the midst of pain and absence, I pray for a heart of gratitude. Help me to recognize and appreciate Your constant presence in my life. Thank You for Your unfailing love, Your steadfast faithfulness, and Your promise to never leave me nor forsake me.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
Lord, I thank You for the strength You provide each day. Thank You for Your guidance, Your comfort, and Your unwavering support. May my life be a testament to Your goodness and Your grace, even amidst challenges.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17 (NLT)
Father, I pray that my gratitude would overflow, influencing my perspective and my interactions with others. May I always remember the abundance of blessings You have poured into my life, and may I reflect Your love and generosity to the world.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
Conclusion
The journey through the pain of an absent father is often marked by deep emotional landscapes, yet it is a path where faith can illuminate the way forward. The prayers offered here are more than just words; they are heartfelt appeals to a God who is intimately acquainted with our struggles and who longs to bring healing and wholeness. Each prayer, rooted in scripture, serves as a reminder that even when earthly fathers are distant, our Heavenly Father’s presence is constant, His love is boundless, and His strength is more than sufficient to carry us through.
Turning to God in prayer allows us to release the burdens of rejection, loneliness, and confusion. It is in His presence that we find the courage to forgive, the wisdom to navigate challenges, and the peace that surpasses all understanding. These prayers encourage a profound dependence on God’s strength, not as a passive wish, but as an active trust in His power to transform our lives and circumstances. By leaning into His love, we can begin to mend the wounds of absence and build a future filled with hope and purpose.
The spiritual significance of praying for absent fathers extends beyond personal solace. It is an act of intercession, a plea for healing not only for ourselves but also for the fathers themselves and for the restoration of relationships. It is a testament to our belief in a God who can bring redemption to brokenness and who desires to be a Father to the fatherless. As we continue to walk in faith, let these prayers serve as a source of ongoing encouragement, reminding us that in God’s perfect love, we are never truly alone, and our future is always held securely in His loving hands.
