As our granddaughter makes her First Communion this weekend, Chris and I are filled with a sense of hopefulness and joy that, as crazy as the world can seem at times, indeed all shall be well. Over the next month, as more and more of our youth experience the joy of First Communion and Confirmation, I encourage us to keep them in our prayers. I found this one from Loyola Press that seems to hit the mark!
Loving God,
You are the giver of all we possess,
the source of all of our blessings.
We thank and praise you.
Thank you for the gift of our children.
Help us to set boundaries for them, and yet
encourage them to explore.
Give us the strength and courage to
treat each day as a fresh start.
May our children come to know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ,
whom you have sent.
May your Holy Spirit help them to grow in faith, hope, and love,
so they may know peace, truth, and goodness.
May their ears hear your voice.
May their eyes see your presence in all things.
May their lips proclaim your word.
May their hearts be your dwelling place.
May their hands do works of charity.
May their feet walk in the way of Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord.
Amen.
Much love,
~Deacon Jim