A Mother's Prayer

God, help my child to grow up laughing,
seeing the world through smiling eyes,
openly showing and receiving love,
being able to give and take with equal dignity.

Help my child to express as well as attain kindness,
showing mercy to the transgressor and patience to the tedious,
speaking from sensitivity and intelligence,
listening with intensity and understanding.

Teach my child to stretch out his arms to humanity,
not being afraid to touch the poor, the angry, or the faithless,
giving companionship to the friendless,
and compassion to those without warmth.

Give my child the strength to achieve integrity,
standing up against injustice to become a pillar for righteousness.
Let him be a lantern to those whose eyes have seen only darkness,
and the harmony of music to those whose ears have heard only horror.

With the knowledge of Your Loving Grace,
show my child that the greatest of leaders are the greatest of servants.