In most traditional societies, such as pagan Rome and Japan, the father had a duel role of priest and provider. That is, he planned and provided for both his family's spiritual and temporal success and survival. It makes sense, doesn't it? Just as Christ is the Shepherd of His Church, so the father is to be the shepherd of his family in following Christ.
Most people still recognize the fatherly role as protector and provider, and so also pray to God generally asking for both spiritual and temporal assistance as protector and provider. It's interesting that Mormons also literally consider the father a priest, along with expecting him to provide for his family. Assuming the priest-hood duty is a coming-of-age rite that teaches the future father to assume responsibility - it's beautiful, and connects temporal duty with spiritual duty.
As far as I know, Mormons are the only group that actively prepare for all their members long-term temporal well-being along with spiritual well-being. I know of no other denomination that teaches and seems to care for its members in this way. The advice is rather simple - such as making sure you have 3-months worth of food, to pay off your mortgage, to practice self-reliance - but it is also critically important advice because it is almost entirely lacking in mainstream practice and common sense.
https://www.lds.org/topics/food-storage?lang=eng
https://www.lds.org/topics/emergency-preparedness?lang=eng
http://providentliving.org/self-reliance/health?lang=eng
https://www.lds.org/topics/family-finances
This is exactly the sort of thing people really need today. It would greatly help poor people, but more than that actually provides real assistance the the main body of the church - young, middle-class families - the exact demographic that is absolutely crucial, yet largely ignored by and mostly deserting most mainstream denominations.
It is the sort of help and education one would hope to receive from a father. It's both entirely practical and useful, but also an indicator that the church truly loves and wants to look after its members.
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