A prayer of parents for their children.
O holy Father, eternal God, from Whom all goodness and blessings flow, I humbly pray to Thee for the children Thy clemency hath granted me. Thou hast given them substance, Thou hast through an immortal soul given them life and regenerated them through holy baptism, by virtue of which they are able to obey Thy commandments and attain the kingdom of heaven. Preserve them in Thy grace to the end of their lives and sanctify them that Thy name be hallowed in them. Cooperate with me by Thy grace that I bring them up for the glory of Thy holy name and for the benefit of our neighbours. Grant me the necessary means for this, patience and fortitude. Lord, enlighten them by the light of Thy wisdom that they love Thee with all their soul and thought. Plant into their hearts the fear and repulsion of all wickedness, that they wend their way without corruption. Beautify their soul by Thy chastity, kindness, humility, industry, patience and all virtues.
Guard their lips by truth that all slander, falsehood and wile be re- pugnant to them. Sprinkle them with the dew of Thy grace that they prosper in virtue and holiness, and that they grow up in Thy favor and in the love of upright men. May their Guardian Angel be ever with them and protect their youth from vain thoughts, from the attraction and seduction of this world and from all snares of the evil spirit. And if at any time they were to sin before Thee, do not turn Thy face away from them, but be merci- ful to them, awaken in their heart contrition, and according to the multitude of Thy mercies cleanse them of their sins. Do not withdraw from them the bounties of the earth, but grant them everything necessary for their temporal needs and for the gaining of eternal salvation. Protect them from affliction, anger, misfor- tune, harm and pain throughout all the days of their lives. O good Lord, I pray to Thee, grant that I have joy and gladness in my child- ren; allow that I appear with them before Thy sublime tribunal and without fear say: Here I am, O Lord, with the children Thou hast given me, that together with them, praising Thine ineffable goodness and eternal love, I glorify Thy most holy name, Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost, forever and ever. Amen.
A prayer of children for their parents.
O merciful Lord God, Thou hast commanded and enjoined me to honor my father and mother, and truly Thou also hast shown even until death humble obedience to Thy parents. Sweet Jesus, my God, from the depths of my soul I humbly beseech Thee, hear my prayer and have mercy on my parents, who have and are bringing me up in Thy grace and love. Protect them from all evil, harm and sickness, grant them health and mercifully pour forth Thy bountiful blessings upon them. Bless their efforts and deeds, have mercy on them according to Thy great mercy, that faithfully serving Thee, through them I also may be worthy to praise and serve Thee. Amen.
A prayer of an orphan.
O most merciful God, Thou pre- servest the substance of all creatures, by Thy most gracious providence every creature lives and flourishes. Thou dost not forsake even the smallest worm, but providest for and feedest it. I humbly beseech Thee, do not withdraw Thine aid from me. Through Thine untraceable decree my father and mother departed from me and I am, bereft of their parental care and protection. But do Thou, O good Father, take me under Thy shelter and be my protector through- out my whole life. Console my afflicted heart by Thy care and strengthen me by patience in need. Awaken in the hearts of my relatives and friends compassion and pity for me, that they give me a helping hand, instruct me in deeds pleasing to Thee and lead me on the path of Thy commandments. Avert all temptations from me, that I may never be tempted by worldly vanity and inclined toward wickedness. Destroy within me all evil inten- tions and desires, that I never for- sake Thy goodness and love. Plant love of work into my heart and be my relief in all things. Preserve me from affliction, misfortune, harm and suffering. O most compassionate, loving God, bless my protectors and instructors and all my benefactors. Grant my departed parents remission of all their sins; look down upon them with pity and admit them to the eternal joys of Paradise. For Thine is the property of loving and saving us, O Lord, and we return Thee praise, Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.
- 1940, Prayer Book for Greek Catholic Rusins (Rusyns) of America, Fr. Julius Grigassy.
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