A Prayer for Children

ALMIGHTY GOD, Heavenly Father, in the Fourth Commandment Thou hast so earnestly enjoined upon me to honor my father and my mother, also promised graciously to reward such service with long life and well-being: I now pray Thee from the inmost of my heart, give unto me an obedient heart, that with due reverence obeys in all things my dear parents and all those placed over me in their stead, giving them honor in word and deed with patience. May I never hurt their feelings, or despise and mock them as long as I live, that Thy blessing may come upon me. Grant, O Lord God, that I may carefully keep their words, commands and directions, storing them in my heart and binding them about my neck, also accepting their corrections and not forgetting their instructions, so that I may live the longer upon the earth. Rule me, I pray Thee, by Thy good Spirit, that I may yield to the corrections of my father and not abandon the directions of my mother, that I may be their joy and comfort. In all I do or leave undone, grant that I may ever keep before me the example of my Lord and Savior, who, as a model for all pious children, was subject to his dear mother, the virgin Mary, and to his foster-parent Joseph. Bestow upon me a heart thankful and modest, that I may requite my parents by serving them in return, particularly by ministering unto them in their old age, bearing with them if they grow childish and peevish, never forgetting that they gave me life. And forgive me, in grace, my acts of childish weakness and waywardness against them. Do Thou preserve me from bad company and people of loose habits, so that when the wicked entice I do not consent nor follow in their ways, but guard my foot from their paths, so that shame and vice may not be my portion. O Lord, Thou hast hitherto reared me as a father does his son, grant that I incline mine ears and listen to the words of the wise, storing up wisdom in the days of my youth for the purpose of becoming prudent and cautious. Grant Thine aid that I may increase in wisdom, stature, and grace with Thee and my fellowmen, for Christ Jesus’ sake. Amen.