A Parent’s Prayer

O Almighty Father, suffer us to come to the throne of thy mercy and bring the precious children which Thou hast given us. Thou hast condescended to enter into covenant with thy people, and hast engaged to accept their children at their hands, if they offer them to Thee in faith. Help us to lay hold of that covenant, and truly to devote these our children to Thee. In kindness hast Thou lent them to us ; we give them back to Thee, and pray, that we may evermore feel that they are not ours, but thine. Blessed Saviour, sanctify them early by thy Spirit ; lay thine hands upon them, inscribe thine image on their hearts, and as they grow up, may they serve and honour Thee, and promote the salvation of those around them. Give us the wisdom which is from above, that we may know how to train them up for Thee, and by our example, instructions, and prayers, to promote the spirit of religion in their hearts. Enable us to exert a proper control over them, and to administer that discipline which with thy blessing may be the means of their best good. We ask not for them the wealth and distinctions of this world ; but we entreat a better inheritance, even spiritual blessings in heavenly things in Christ Jesus. Let them be the servants of God, to do his will here, even though it be in much suffering and many privations ; and may they be the praise and glory of thy grace, in the world to come.

Now, O Lord, they are thine. Be Thou their Father and their God. Guide them through this world ; preserve them when in temptation ; console them in sorrow ; and glorify thyself in them, in life, and in death, and for ever, for Jesus' sake. Amen.