Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child

 

Loving God, you hold all things in life and call us into your kingdom of peace; help us to walk the path of your truth and fill our lives with gratitude and faith, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

All      Amen.

 

           Do you receive these children as a gift from God?               We do.

           Do you wish to give thanks to God and seek his blessing?  We do.

 

God our creator, we thank you for the wonder of new life and for the mystery of human love. We thank you for all whose support and skill surround and sustain the  beginning of life. We thank you that we are known to you by name and loved by you from all eternity. We thank you for Jesus Christ, who has opened to us the way of love. We praise you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

 

All      Blessed be God for ever.

 

           What name have you given this child?                 His/her name is N.

 

           As Jesus took children in his arms and blessed them, so now we ask
           God’s blessing on N.

 

Heavenly Father, we praise you for his/her birth; surround him/her with your blessing that he/she may know your love, be protected from evil, and know your goodness all his/her days.

 

All     May they learn to love all that is true, grow in wisdom and strength and, in due time, come through faith and baptism to the fullness of your grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 May God the Father of all bless these parents and give them grace to love   and care for their children. May God give them wisdom, patience and faith, help them to provide for the children’s needs and, by their example, reveal the love and truth that  are in Jesus Christ.

 

All      Amen.

 

Receive this book it is the good news of God’s love. Take it as your guide.

 

All     God our creator, we thank you for the gift of these children, entrusted to our care. May we be patient and understanding, ready to guide and to forgive, so that through our love they may come to know your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.