O God the 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 eternal life: help 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 the 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 company of the blessed
Angels and Saints. Amen.
O Heavenly Father, I commend my children to Thy care. Be
Thou their God and Father; and mercifully supply whatever is lacking in me
through frailty or negligence. Strengthen them to overcome the corruptions
of the world, whether from within or without; and deliver them from the
secret snares of the enemy. Pour Thy grace into their hearts, and strengthen
and multiply in them the gifts of Thy Holy Spirit, that they may daily grow
in grace and in knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; and so, faithfully
serving Thee here, may come to rejoice in Thy presence hereafter. Amen.