Should have a family member read this

A PRAYER  FOR THE CHILD

Darling Child,

I pray for you the gift of joy

to have your heart sing

at the simplest and greatest of things.

I pray for you the gift of brief sadness

that you would not fear,

but know the gifts

that come from life's experience.

I pray for you the gift of spirit,

to know your soul's longing,

that you will know the power

of prayer and communion with the universe.

I pray for you the gift of compassion,

to look at another and see

their greatness, their human-ness

and in so doing - see your own

in their reflection.

I pray for you the gift of foresight,

for this gift will allow you to

see the need to care for this planet

which we all must share.

I pray for you the gift of love,

so much your heart must expand

to hold it all.

That you will be surrounded

and sustained by it,

in each moment of your life.

I pray for you the gift of peace,

of quiet moments filled with grace

of reverence for life

and the ability to rest quietly

keeping company with yourself.

- Elizabeth McNally -