I have mentioned before that I am a fan of Beliefnet. This site offers all types of essays, prayers and information about all types of religions. Once I click on, I'm over there for a while just learning about everything.

Well, recently I signed up for some of their daily newletters. In fact, I think that I signed up for about six different daily emails, but it may be more or less. In the few days since arriving in my inbox, I have learned a few new quotes that I have saved for future use. But today, in my daily prayer newsletter, there was a prayer that needed to be passed along immediately, as I'm sure that there are many readers who are in the process of adopting, or at least know of couples who are. The newsletter suggested that this prayer could be appropriate for many religions.

Prayer for a Couple Adopting a Child

We have waited for so long
for this child of choice.
Bless us
with an abundance of your love
that we may be good parents,
that we may create a home of blessing,
that we may encourage this child
to the fullness of his/her potential.
Bless our child, O God.
Give her security in our family,
the joy of laughter in our home,
and the courage to face
the challenges ahead.
Let our child know the love
we feel so deeply for her,
and let this love be a strength
to confront the opportunities of life.
Amen.

- Vienna Cobb Anderson

Vienna Cobb Anderson has written "Prayers of our Hearts" where this prayer originally appeared. The line that has stuck with me all day is "that we may create a home of blessing". Wouldn't that be wonderful for all of us? Adults and children alike.