Prayer of Fathers for Their Children

O Lord God our Saviour, Creator and Maker of all beings, who in Thine incomprehensible mercy didst create man for the perfecting of all Thy creation, and didst set him as king, guardian and steward over it, in the image of Thy kingship; and this likeness, together with reason, understanding and freedom of will, Thou didst perfect also by the love for his children implanted in him by nature: I thank Thee that me also, Thy sinful and unprofitable servant (name), Thou hast made worthy of the grace of having children and of its ineffable sweetness. Accept this my supplication, and have mercy on my children (names), and keep and shelter them, O God, by Thy grace; enlighten their hearts and minds (or: his heart and mind) with the light of Thy knowledge; pardon, forgive and blot out all their transgressions, voluntary and involuntary; deliver them from the wiles of the devil, rescue them from all evil, and set angels of light at their right hand as guardians of their life; and ever guide them in the ways of truth to fulfil Thy holy commandments. Fill their life with holiness and good conduct, and fence them about from all enemies visible and invisible; keep them unharmed in temptations, and turn away from them every stirring of evil; multiply those who love them and their friends, and put to shame those who hate them; grant them prudence, peace, long-suffering and humility; increase and enlarge their powers of soul and body, purity and watchfulness of mind; direct them with diligence in learning and in every work appointed for them; heal them of sicknesses of soul and body; and to the end order well all their life, whether in virginity or in lawful marriage; and, filled with good days, make them worthy to attain also to Thy heavenly good things, that they may unceasingly send up glory and thanksgiving to Thee, their Creator and Benefactor, together with Thine only-begotten beloved Son and Thine all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto all the endless ages of ages. Amen.