O God, who hast ordained and sanctified the holy estate of matrimony, for replenishing the earth, for mutual consolation, and as a type of the union of Christ and His Church; give me grace both thankfully to accept its blessings, and carefully to fulfill its duties.

I beseech thee continually to bless our union, and to enable us to live together in peace and love, in the faithful discharge of all our duties to Thee, and to each other.

Deliver us from every evil temper, from every heedless action, which may in any way weaken or embitter the sacredness of that tie by which Thou hast bound us together, and which can never be severed.

Make me faithful and affectionate, studious to please, and ready to deny my own will and inclination in all things. Let not the trials and crosses of this life induce me to complain, nor any earthly blessings cause me to forget Thee, the Author and Giver of all; but by patience and meekness, by prayer and thankfulness, may all things be sanctified unto me, and fit me for eternal union with Thee, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

O Father of mankind, who hast given unto us these our children, and committed them to our charge to bring them up for Thee, and to prepare them for everlasting life; assist us with Thy heavenly grace, that we may be able to fulfill this most sacred duty and stewardship.

Teach us both what to give, and what to withhold; when to reprove, and when to forbear: make us to be gentle, yet firm; considerate and watchful: and deliver us equally from the weakness of indulgence, and excess of severity; and grant that, both by word and example, we may be careful to lead them in the ways of wisdom and true piety; so that at last we may, with them be admitted to the unspeakable joys of our true home in Heaven, in the unity of the blessed angels and saints, where Thou, O Father, with Jesus Christ, Thy only-begotten Son, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest one God forever and ever.

O Heavenly Father, we commend our children unto Thee. Be Thou their God and Father; and mercifully supply whatever is wanting in us, through frailty or negligence.

Strengthen them to overcome the corruptions of the world, to resist the solicitations of evil, whether from within or without; and deliver them from the secret snares of the enemy.

Pour Thy grace into their hearts, and confirm and multiply in them the gifts of thy Holy Spirit, that they may daily grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ: and so faithfully serving Thee here, may come to rejoice before Thee hereafter; through the merits of the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest. Amen

 
 

 
 
 

O Almighty God, who has given unto me my father and mother, and made them to be an image of Thy authority, and love, and tender watchfulness, and has commanded me to love, and honor, and obey them in all things; give me grace cheerfully and with my whole heart to keep this Thy law.

Help me to love them fervently, to honor them truly, to yield a ready obedience to all their commands, to comply with all their wishes, to study their happiness in every thing, and to bear with patience and humility all their rebukes.

Deliver me, O God, from pride, rebellion, and willfulness, from passion and stubbornness, from sloth and carelessness.

Make me diligent in all my duties and studies, and patient in all my trials; that so living, I may deserve to be Thy child, who art our Father in Heaven, through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son our Lord. Amen

 
 
 

Thou must leave thy lowly dwelling,
The humble crib, the stable bare.
Babe, all mortal babes excelling,
Content our earthly lot to share.
Loving father, Loving mother,
Shelter thee with tender care!

Blessed Jesus, we implore thee
With humble love and holy fear.
In the land that lies before thee,
Forget not us who linger here!
May the shepherds lowly calling,
Ever to thy heart be dear!

Blest are ye beyond all measure,
Thou happy father, mother mild!
Guard ye well your heavnly treasure,
The Prince of Peace, The Holy Child!
God go with you, God protect you,
Guide you safely through the wild!