Family Days
Prayer
Pastoral Prayers For All Seasons
Object:
We thank you, Our Creator, for the Josephs and Marys of our world. They are the mothers and fathers who care deeply about their children. They quicken our hearts, bring joy to our weary spirits, and give us hope for tomorrow. We are indebted to them for they are keeping alive the values and dreams we cherish most.
It is never easy to be a parent. It would seem that being a loving and effective parent is more of a challenge today than at any earlier time. Information inundates our homes, and how does a parent determine which is acceptable or unacceptable? How can we obtain the wisdom necessary to guide our children through all the claims and counterclaims that bid for our attention and loyalty?
How do we know when to say, "No," and when to say, "Yes"? When do we protect our children by restraining their activities, and when do we grant them freedom to experience life on their own? How do we contain the joy they bring us, without alienating our friends by the continual telling of our children's accomplishments? On the other hand, how do we keep on loving these children when they spurn our counsel, ignore the events of our lives, and smash the values that we hold closest to our hearts?
Life is difficult. Life is joy. Enable us to see you, O God, in both. You have entrusted us with your sons and daughters. What an honor! What a challenge! Thank you, Lord. Amen.
It is never easy to be a parent. It would seem that being a loving and effective parent is more of a challenge today than at any earlier time. Information inundates our homes, and how does a parent determine which is acceptable or unacceptable? How can we obtain the wisdom necessary to guide our children through all the claims and counterclaims that bid for our attention and loyalty?
How do we know when to say, "No," and when to say, "Yes"? When do we protect our children by restraining their activities, and when do we grant them freedom to experience life on their own? How do we contain the joy they bring us, without alienating our friends by the continual telling of our children's accomplishments? On the other hand, how do we keep on loving these children when they spurn our counsel, ignore the events of our lives, and smash the values that we hold closest to our hearts?
Life is difficult. Life is joy. Enable us to see you, O God, in both. You have entrusted us with your sons and daughters. What an honor! What a challenge! Thank you, Lord. Amen.
