A prayer for parents, for themselves and for their children.
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 fulfil 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 ; 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, Father, with Jesus, Thy only begotten Son, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest one God, for ever 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. Strenghten them to overcome the corruptions of the world, to resist the solicitations of evil, whether from
