This traditional prayer appears in older Catholic manuals of devotion and is not usually attributed to a single author. It asks God to help fathers and mothers fulfill the sacred stewardship entrusted to them in raising their children for eternal life. The prayer gives special attention to prudence, firmness, gentleness, good example, and growth in true piety. Its spirit accords with the Church’s teaching that parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children, especially their education in faith, as taught in CCC 2221 and 2226. Catholics may pray it regularly for grace in the daily duties, trials, and decisions of family life.
O God, our heavenly Father, who hast given us our children,
and committed them to our charge, to bring them up for Thee,
and to prepare them for everlasting life;
assist us with Thy heavenly grace,
that we may be able to fulfil this most sacred duty and stewardship.
Teach us both what to give and what to withhold;
when to reprove and when to forbear;
make us gentle, yet firm;
considerate and watchful;
and deliver us equally from the weakness of indulgence,
and the excess of severity;
and grant that, both by word and example,
we may be careful to lead them in the ways of wisdom and true piety,
so that at last we 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, O Father, with Jesus Christ, Thy only-begotten Son,
in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
livest and reignest, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
When to pray it: Pray this regularly when asking God for wisdom and grace in raising and guiding children.
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