Commontide

For Guidance

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices; that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path we may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Commontide
Blessing
Birth & Childhood

Thanksgiving for the Birth or Adoption of a Child

The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.

Benedicat vos omnipotens Deus, Pater, et Filius, et Spiritus Sanctus.

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Original-language source · public domain

Found in the Prayer Book

  • Thanksgiving Birth AdoptionThanksgiving for the Birth or Adoption of a Child

Provenance

Cranmer 1549

Draft — AI-assisted research under editorial review.

One of the oldest formulas in continuous Anglican use, this benediction has closed prayer book services since Cranmer's 1549 Communion. The ACNA 2019 Prayer Book gives it a new home: a priest may speak it over a family welcoming a new child.