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A Father's Prayer
A heartfelt poem by Douglas Malloch that shares a father's prayer for his son's future. Rather than asking for wealth or success, the father asks God to help him raise a son who is honest, kind, courageous, and strong in character. Most importantly, he prays for help in becoming an example his son can follow.
Updated August 4, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
A Father's Prayer
Poet: Douglas Malloch
God, you have given me a son:
Now help me make him worthy of
His father's name, his father's love;
Among companions, make him one
Both clean of heart and clean of speech;
Help me my son these things to teach.
God, you have given me a boy:
Now help me still my boy to rear;
Too kind to quarrel, brave to fear,
Too good for any sinful joy,
Or, if temptation prove too strong,
Too wise to follow folly long.
God, you a son have given me:
Help me to make my boy a man,
Help me to teach him all I can
Of honesty and decency -
Father of fathers, make me one,
A fit example for a son.
Key Reflections In This Poem
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The Importance Of A Father's Example
Douglas Malloch reminds fathers that children learn as much from what they see as from what they are told. Living with honesty, kindness, and faith is one of the greatest gifts a father can give his child.
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Parenting Requires God's Help
This poem recognizes that raising a child is a responsibility no parent should face alone. Through prayer, fathers can seek wisdom, patience, and strength for each stage of their child's life.
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Character Matters More Than Success
The father's prayer is not focused on wealth or achievement but on raising a son with integrity, courage, and compassion. True success begins with the values we choose to pass on.
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Teaching Through Everyday Life
The poem encourages fathers to guide their children through daily words, actions, and decisions. Small examples repeated over time often leave the greatest impression.
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Building A Lasting Legacy
A father's influence reaches far beyond childhood and can shape future generations. The love, faith, and wisdom shared today become part of the legacy a family carries forward.
Popular Pages
Explore more poems, prayers, and thoughtful words about faith, fatherhood, children, and the values that shape a meaningful life.
Short Prayers -
Just like A Father's Prayer, these short prayers offer heartfelt words for life’s everyday moments, simple yet powerful ways to connect with God.
Famous Poems -
If Malloch’s words touched your heart, you’ll enjoy these famous poems that also carry messages of hope, faith, and reflection.
Christian Poems offer more uplifting words about faith, hope, and trusting God through every season of life.
Poems About Children Growing Up -
As this poem reflects a father’s desire for his child, these poems explore the journey of watching children grow and become who they’re meant to be.
Father Quotes offer wisdom and encouragement about the love, influence, and responsibilities of a dad.
A Prayer For Today -
Just like Malloch’s prayer, this simple prayer for today invites you to pause, reflect, and lean on God for daily guidance.
Fathers Day Poems continue the theme of a father's love while honoring and celebrating dads everywhere.
Conclusion
A Father's Prayer reminds us that fatherhood is both a great responsibility and a treasured blessing. Douglas Malloch shows that a father's deepest hope is not simply for his child to succeed, but for that child to grow in honesty, kindness, courage, and faith.
Children learn from the words they hear, but they also learn from the example they see each day. A father who seeks God's guidance, admits when he needs help, and tries to live by the values he teaches can leave a lasting influence on his family.
Whether you are raising a son or a daughter, may this poem encourage you to lead with love, pray for wisdom, and trust God with each new stage. The lessons shared today can become part of a legacy that continues through future generations.
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