Almighty God, Heavenly Father! since Thou hast so earnestly enjoined upon
me, in the fourth commandment, to honor my father and my mother, and hast
also promised, graciously to reward such service with long life and
prosperity: I would pray Thee from the depth of my heart, that Thou
wouldst bestow upon me an obedient heart, which, with due submission,
obeys my dear parents in all things, and also those who are my superiors
in the place of my parents; that I may honor them in deed, word and with
patience, and that I may not grieve, disregard or despise them as long as
I live, in order that Thy blessing may rest upon me. Grant that I may
well remember and firmly keep to heart their words, rules and precepts,
yea, that I may at all times be mindful of them, and that I may not
forget their instructions, in order that my days may be long upon earth.
Do Thou govern me through Thy good Spirit, that I may hear the
instruction of my father and not forsake the law of my mother, in order
that I may be a cause of joy and comfort unto them. Grant that I may, in
all my actions, diligently follow the example of my Lord and Saviour,
who, being a true model for all pious children, was subject unto the
virgin Mary, His blessed mother, and unto Joseph, His foster-father.
Bestow also upon me a grateful and humble heart, that I may recompense my
dear parents and again serve them, especially that I may administer unto
them in old age and bear with them when they have become childish and
simple, and that I may never forget that they are my parents. Do Thou
also graciously forgive me whenever I have offended them through childish
weakness and rashness. Do Thou preserve me from evil society and
frivolous people, and when sinners entice me, that I may not consent nor
walk in their way with them, but that I may refrain my foot from their
path and not bring disgrace and crime upon myself. O Lord! Thou hast thus
far chastened me as a man chasteneth his son; grant that I may bow down
mine ear and hear the words of the wise, and learn while I am young, that
I may acquire knowledge and discretion. Grant that I may increase in
wisdom and stature, and in favour before Thee and my fellow-men, for the
sake of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen!