The Prayer
O, Triune Father, Son, and Spirit,
These parents and this church body pray,
We say, “Not to us but to your name
Be all glory, praise and acclaim.”
Your greatness is incomparable,
Yet each of these precious little lives
Displays your image and by you thrives.
May they grow to abide at your side.
Glorify yourself through each boy and girl.
When they are yet young, give them rebirth.
Let them see and savor the Savior
And unearth the treasure of your worth.
Justify them through the blood of Christ.
May Jesus be more, and they be less.
Vanquish the curse in order to bless.
Let them find rest in Christ’s righteousness.
When Satan intrudes as a lion,
Wounding by pain or tempting to sin,
Recall promises; give hope within;
Keep them trusting, confident you win.
It’s such a broken world, but you heal.
Be their strength, their song, and their delight.
Be their rock of truth in seas of lies.
When the shadows are dark, be their light.
We dedicate these children to you,
Sovereign God, for the sake of your name,
Surrendering every worldly claim,
That they may be wholly yours forev’r.
The Blessing (taken from Psalm 78:4–7; Philippians 3:8–14)
Now children, …
May you grow to know the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done ultimately and triumphantly through the person of Christ. May you grow to count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord.
May you learn God’s law, and may it move you to celebrate God’s holiness and to treasure the righteousness of Christ, being found in him, not having a righteousness of your own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith. And may your knowledge of God’s law in turn help you set your hope in God and not forget the works of God but keep his commandments.
May you grow to know Christ and the power of his resurrection. And as you share in Christ’s sufferings, even becoming like him in his death, may you attain the resurrection from the dead and then enjoy the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
To the praise of Jesus and in full dependence on him, I bless you with these words. Amen.
––Jason S. DeRouchie (11/19/2017)
