A Prayer for Parents
January 8, 2022
Madonna of Loreto, Raphael Workshop; 1509
“O FATHER of mankind, who hast given unto me these my children, and committed them to my charge to bring them up for Thee, and to prepare them for everlasting life; assist me with Thy heavenly grace, that I may be able to fulfill this most sacred duty and stewardship. Teach me both what to give, and what to withhold; when to reprove, and when to forbear: make me to be gentle, yet firm; considerate and watchful: and deliver me equally from the weakness of indulgence, and excess of severity; and grant that, both by word and example, I may be careful to lead them in the ways of wisdom and true piety; so that at last I may, with them be admitted to the unspeakable joys of our true home in heaven, in the unity of the blessed angels and saints, where thou, O Father, with Jesus, thy only-begotten Son, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, livest ard reiguest one God forever and ever.
“O Heavenly Father, I commend my children unto Thee. Be Thou their God and Father; and mercifully supply whatever is wanting in me, through frailty or negligence. Strengthen them to overcome the corruptions of the world, to resist the solicitations of evil, whether from within or without; and deliver them from the secret snares of the enemy. Pour thy grace into their hearts, and confirm and multiply in them the gifts of thy Holy Spirit, that they may daily grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ: and so faithfully serving Thee here, may come to rejoice before Thee hereafter; through the merits of the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest. Amen.”
