A PARENT'S BLESSING

A blessing of a parent for their children.

The joy of God in thy face,
    Joy to all who see the,
The circle of God around thy neck,
    Angels of God shielding thee,
    Angels of God shielding thee.
Joy of night and day be thine,
Joy of sun and moon be thine,
Joy of men and women be thine,
    Each land and sea thou goest
    Each land and sea thou goest.

Be every season happy for thee,
Be every season bright for thee,
Be every season glad for thee,
    And the Son of Mary Virgin at peace with thee,
    The Son of Mary Virgin at peace with thee.

Be thine the compassing of the God of life,
Be thine the compassing of the Christ of love,
Be thine the compassing of the Spirit of Grace,
    To befriend thee and to aid thee,
    Thou beloved one of my heart.

from the Celtic Way of Prayer by Esther de Waal