Prayers

Prayers
How the father of the family should teach the members of his household to bless themselves in the morning and evening

Morning Blessing
In the morning, when you get out of bed, you shall bless yourself with the holy cross and say:
May God grant it—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! Amen.

Then, kneeling or standing, say the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. If you like, you may also say this little prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I ask You to keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me! Amen.

Then go off to your work with joy, perhaps after singing a hymn, such as the Ten Commandments, or whatever your devotion suggests.

Evening Blessing
In the evening, when you go to bed, you shall bless yourself with the holy cross and say:
May God grant it—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! Amen.

Then, kneeling or standing, say the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. If you like, you may, in addition, say this little prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I ask You to forgive me all my sins, where I have done wrong, and graciously to keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me! Amen.
Then go to sleep promptly and cheerfully.

How the father of the family should teach the members of his household to say the blessing and thanksgiving

Blessing before a Meal
The children and members of the household shall approach the table reverently, with folded hands, and say:
The eyes of all look to You, O Lord, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your bountiful hand and satisfy every living thing with contentment.

Then say the Lord’s Prayer and the following prayer:
O Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us and these Your gifts, which we receive from Your bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord! Amen.

Thanksgiving after a Meal
Likewise also, after the meal, they shall reverently and with folded hands say:
Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; and His mercy endures forever. He gives food to all flesh; He gives to the beast its fodder, to the young ravens that cry out to Him. He takes no delight in the strength of the steed, nor pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him and who wait upon His mercy.

Then say the Lord’s Prayer and the following prayer:
We thank You, Lord God, our Father, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, for all Your benefits, who live and reign forever and ever! Amen.