Prayer for our Children

I was writing in a baby shower card yesterday and wondered if the Book of Common Prayer might have something pertinent to write ... Since we were married, I have loved the BOCP's words for marriage. I now include a copy of this prayer in every wedding card.

Sure enough, the prayer for baptism seems like one I could happily include in baby shower cards from now on. The men who crafted the prayers and liturgy in the BOCP sure knew what they were doing -- this pretty much covers it all (adapted for a baby girl):

Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water

and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon

this your servant the forgiveness of sin,

and have raised her to the new life of grace.

Sustain her, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit.

Give her an inquiring and discerning heart,

the courage to will and to persevere,

a spirit to know and to love you,

and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works.

Amen.

-           Book of Common Prayer, “Baptism”