Bedtime Blessing
Blessing is an ancient practice and common element in almost all religions. Why not start a lovely new tradition in your family with this simple Trinitarian blessing for your children. It is a great way to settle restless children to sleep and a comforting ritual for kids who experience nightmares or have trouble sleeping.
It is also a perfect little ritual to do with your grandchildren.
A blessing is simply a special form of prayer, where one person prays ‘over’ another, asking God to enrich them with his grace. Blessings may be prayed silently, though they are usually prayed aloud allowing the child to hear the words of encouragement and longing for his prosperity. Often a blessing is accompanied by a physical gesture such as laying one or both hands the head or shoulders of the child. Christian blessings conclude with a Sign of the Cross marked with the thumb on the child’s forehead. – CathFamily eMagazine, ‘Grandparents’, July 2013
Father God, how you delight in this child of yours!May ____ know deeply and truly how much you love him/her.Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.Teach this child to follow in your ways and to grow closer to you and to our Heavenly Father.Holy Spirit, giver of life.Protect this child as he/she sleeps. Help this child to rest deeply and peacefully, and to awake refreshed in the morning.+ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
For Grandparent’s Day
Take the handout and make it a special gift for your grandparent! Trim it and frame it with some paddle-pop sticks. Decorate it however you like! Check out www.catholicicing.com for further instructions and ideas.
This activity featured in the June 2012Â and July 2013Â edition of the CathFamily e-Magazine. For more, check out:
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