Lord God of our ancestors, we thank you for what you have done and will continue to do with our sons and daughters. Walk with them in life, and keep the evil one from obstructing their path. You see all; you know where the water is deep. Keep them from danger. Order their steps and guide their feet while they run the race of faith. May the good work that you have begun in them be brought to completion at the day of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. (ELW)
A few years ago I critiqued the ELW's prayers for children/youth. I find the prayers overly negative and condescending, particularly because they are written in the third person (O God, help THEM with all the troubles that befall THEM, without any reference to the fact that adult society and church create many of the pitfalls that ensare our youth!).
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lutheranzephyr.com/main/2008/04/praying-for-our.html