A Prayer for Parents

I found a poetry book at a vintage flea market a few months ago called Life's Greatest

Treasure by Hallmark and especially liked the poem called "A Prayer for New Parents". This poem isn't only for new parents, but for all. Hope

you enjoy reading it as much as I did and it encourages you to keep an eternal perspective as you train up your children. We only get-

one

single

chance

to raise our children.

That's it.

No second chances.

This is one area we can't afford to be lazy in.

God, help us to remember that our children will learn more from our deeds than our creeds. Help us to depend on You each and every day for wisdom and discernment in raising these beautiful souls for Your glory alone. God give me grace.

Amen.

A Prayer for New Parents

By: James Keller

O Lord, give us the wisdom ---

To deal with our children as You would,

To see in each of them Your Holy Image,

To develop in them a Christ-like love of all men, not only a select few,

To teach them to be go-givers rather than go-getters.

Oh God, in training these dear ones whom

Thou hast entrusted to our charge, help us ---

To encourage rather than discourage them,

To discipline with kindness not softness,

To guide them intelligently, not blindly,

To coach, not scold; to nudge, not nag.

Dear Lord, above all, help us ---

To use common sense in regard to their future,

To let them go gladly when the time comes,

To let them lead their own lives while following them with our love,

To pray always that they will be close to Thee,

not only for the few years of this life

but for the endless years of eternity.