Picasso, Mother and Child, 1922
God our Father, you love us with the tender yet demanding love of a good parent. Your enduring love embraces us as we are; your creative love calls us forth to grow and change. Help us as parents to imitate your tenderness and love. May we embrace our children just as they are and encourage them forward to grow and change. Help us to guide them with consistency and compassion so they may grow up to be responsible and kind, joyful and faithful. Fill us with your Spirit of wisdom that we may act as faithful companions and able guides, leading them by the hand into the beauty of your presence, the happiness of your friendship, and the peace of your eternal embrace. Amen.