This prayer was handwritten by my father, James H. Herbert, in the back of his prayer book given to him by his father, R. Beverley Herbert, on Jim’s 30th birthday 21 July, 1948. More than 70 years later, our family still reads it at Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.
Written by Jim Herbert
25 December, 1951
Oh Lord, we thank thee we are gathered together as a family on this morning.
Teach us this day our true duty and help us develop in ourselves and in one another a sound sense of Christian values, and give us strength and willpower to act promptly and cheerfully in accordance with what our sense of values tells us is right and best.
Make us humble, kind, and considerate of one another and of others.
Bless us as a family and help us so to live each day that the world may be a better place in which to live and, in so doing, we may grow closer to Thee.
These things we humbly ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Do you have a special family holiday prayer or tradition? If so, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
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Heartspoken Moment: Always Count The Cost
This is a prayer that I found in my Dad’s things after he passed. I kept the 3×5″ index card in my dining room buffet to use at gatherings. Do not know where he got it but I love it.
“Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage, we humbly beseech you that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Keep us from all things that may hurt us, that we being ready in both mind and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things which you command. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.”
I love it too! Was it written in his own handwriting? Some of it sounds like phrasing from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, but he could have adapted it. Either way, it is lovely and such a wonderful bond with him. Thanks so much for sharing it, Karen!