A Parents' Prayer

This prayer was sent home to us from our kids’ school. It struck me as really solid, and really wise, and it resonates with my own paternal heart (if not quite always with my paternal actions; so it can help inspire me to do better, right?). So, I offer it for the edification of my friends. . . ------------------------- Most loving Father, our example of parenthood, you have entrusted our children to us to bring them up for you, and prepare them for everlasting life. Assist us with your grace, that we may fulfill this sacred duty with competence and love. Teach us what to give and what to withhold. Show us when to reprove, when to praise, and when to be silent. Make us gentle and considerate, yet firm and watchful. Keep us from weakness of indulgence and excess of severity. Give us courage to be disliked sometimes by our children, when we must do necessary things, which are displeasing in their eyes. Give us the imagination to enter their world in order to understand and guide them. Grant us all the virtues we need, to lead them by work and example in the ways of wisdom and piety. One day, with them, may we enter into the joys of our true and lasting home with you in Heaven. Amen.