For Christian families, drawn from the prayer of Pope John Paul II.

The family is the domestic church — the first school of faith, hope, and love. This prayer, based on the prayer of Pope John Paul II, asks God to bless and protect every family as a shrine of life and love.

The Prayer

Lord God, from You every family in heaven and on earth takes its name.
Father, You are Love and Life.
Through Your Son, Jesus Christ,
born of woman, and through the Holy Spirit,
grant that every family on earth
may become a true shrine of life and love.
Grant that Your grace may guide the thoughts and actions
of husbands and wives
for the good of their families and of all families.
Grant that the young may find in the family
solid support for their human dignity
and for their growth in truth and love.
Amen.

About This Prayer

Pope John Paul II was the great pope of the family, authoring Familiaris Consortio (1981) and founding World Youth Day. He described the family as ‘the first and vital cell of society’ and ‘the domestic church’ (Lumen Gentium 11). The Synod of Bishops regularly addresses the pastoral care of families, and the Church offers special blessings for married couples and families.