WELCOME

OPENING PRAYER

God our heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of families and the natural ties of love and affection that are part of your creation. We thank you for the gift of parenthood and the joys of bringing children into your world. Enable Christopher and Nola to bring up their children in the care and security of a loving home. Keep them safe from the evils of this world, that their children might grow strong in their knowledge of you and of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

BIBLE READINGS

PSALM 127

Unless the Lord builds the house,

its builders labour in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city,

the watchmen stand guard in vain.

It is in vain you rise up early

and then stay up so late,

toiling for food to eat -

for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Children are a heritage from the Lord,

and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior

are the children of one's youth.

Happy are they who have their quiver full of them:

they will not be put to shame

when confronting their enemies at the gate.

MARK 10:13-16

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

THE NAMING AND BLESSING

Christopher and Nola wish to give thanks to God for the birth of their daughter. They invite us to pray with them for Godís blessing on their child. Let us pray.

God our heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of life and for the wonder of creation. We also thank you for the privilege of parenthood and the birth of Shannon. May she grow up in health and safety; may she develop a true sense of justice and righteousness; and may she grow in wisdom and compassion. In your grace, may she come to know the fullness of your love, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

The minister addresses the parents

What name do you give to this child?

We name her Shannon Alana Moore

Do you seek God's blessing upon Shannon as you bring her up as a citizen in God's world?

We do.

The minister addresses the godparents

Will you support Shannon's parents as they bring her up as a citizen in God's world?

We shall.

Shannon, may God bless you and keep you.

May the Lord make his face to shine upon you

and be gracious to you.

May God look upon you with favour

and grant you his peace.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

THE LORD'S PRAYER

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your Name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours

now and forever. Amen.

PRAYERS

THE GRACE

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.

 

 

Document added 09 October 1997.

Anglican Church League, www.acl.asn.au