Episcopalians who attend St. Richard’s Church in Winter Park are welcome to come forward to receive a birthday blessing, according to the Rev. Alison Harrity. The blessing is a weekly event.
Harrity said she invites those who desire a birthday blessing to choose one of two prayers in the Book of Common Prayer, page 830, for birthdays: Prayer 50 or 51. One prayer is for an adult; the other, a child. Harrity explained in a recent St. Richard’s news release:
“Here are the prayers: 50. For a Birthday O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on your servant N. as he begins another year. Grant that he may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen his trust in your goodness all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- For a Birthday Watch over thy child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and guide him wherever he may be. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise him up if he falls; and in his heart may thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
For more information on the origins of the birthday blessing, click the following link: http://files.constantcontact.com/4e935adc001/606cfcb4-2c58-4a64-9226-abcdb9a489a3.pdf
St. Richard’s Episcopal Church is located at 5151 Lake Howell Road, Winter Park.