Family Prayers for Special Days in the Life of a Child

There are a number of occasions when families gather together in God's presence to pray about the special times in their lives. During these times the members of the household gather, place the child in the center, and offer one of the following prayers.

THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Loving Lord, they called you "rabbi," which means teacher. You taught many people about God's world. Guide our teachers. Open our hearts and minds to new learning as ___________________ (child's name) starts this first day of school. Help her/him to feel your presence. Help us to feel you beside us as we continue to learn and grow in knowledge of your world. Amen.

WHEN A PET DIES

Caring God, you love everything that you have created. You are sad when we are sad. ____________ (pet's name) was a wonderful friend who helped us to learn about loving and caring for another creature. Be with us in our sadness and let our memories of _____________ (pet's name) always live in our hearts and bring a smile to our lips. Amen.

BEFORE A BIG GAME

All knowing God, we are playing a big game today. Fill us with the understanding that winning is not the most important thing. Guide us in fair play. Lead us in praising the successes and accepting the mistakes of the members of our team. Help us to play our best today, knowing that you never expect anything more than our best from us. Amen.

AT THE BIRTH OF A SIBLING

Creator God, with ______ (child's name), you have given us the gift of a new life. Our lives as a family will be forever changed. Each of us will have a new role, new responsibilities and a new brother/sister to teach your love. Grant us the understanding that you gather him/her into your loving arms with us. Help us to help one another as we love and care for _______________ (child's name). Amen.

BEFORE A VISIT TO THE DOCTOR

Gracious God, be with __________ (person's name) today as he/she visits the doctor. Guide the mind and hands of the doctor in search of healing. We are all concerned and claim your presence in the doctor's office today. We place _____________ (person's name) in the comfort and security of your loving arms. Amen.

Prepared by Barbara Bruce, a Christian educator in Rochester, New York. Reprinted with permission from Claiming Our Time with God (...and with Each Other): A Devotional Guide for Today's Families, edited by Marilyn W. Magee. Copyright ©1994 Office of Family Ministries, General Board of Discipleship.


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