It is always appropriate to give thanks to God, but especially so on the occasion of a birthday. The birthday celebration provides an opportunity for acknowledging and giving thanks to God as the author and giver of life.
A birthday is also an appropriate occasion for children to express love and thanks to their parents who have shared the gift of life and love with them.
These orders may be used by a priest or a deacon, and also by a layperson, who follows the rites and prayers designated for a lay minister, or by a family member.
Minister: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
Priest: May God who loves you and fills your life with joy, be with you always.
All: And with your spirit.
or
Lay Minister: Praise be to God, who loves us and fills our lives with joy, now and for ever.
All: Amen.
Minister: Each year as we celebrate another birthday we recall the gift of life which we have received from God. Today we give thanks for our parents and all those who have loved, nourished, and taught us of God’s love.
Reader: Hosea 11:1-4
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the prophet Hosea:
When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the farther they went from me, and burning incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms; but they did not know that I cared for them. I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like those who raise an infant to their cheeks.
The Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
R. Teach us to number our days aright.
Before the mountains were begotten
and the earth and the world were brought forth,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (R)
You turn man back to dust,
saying, “Return, O children of men.”
For a thousand years in your sight
are as yesterday, now that it is past,
or as a watch of the night. (R)
You make an end of them in their sleep;
the next morning they are like the changing grass,
Which at dawn springs up anew,
but by evening wilts and fades. (R)
Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Return, O LORD! How long?
Have pity on your servants! (R)
Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,
that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.
Make us glad, for the days when you afflicted us,
for the years when we saw evil.
Let your work be seen by your servants
and your glory by their children. (R)
Minister: Let us praise the Lord God of all creation, saying, (R) Blessed be God forever.
1. Blessed be God, who has shaped us from dust and breathed life into us. (R)
2. Blessed be God, who in his great love has sent his only Son to save us. (R)
3. Blessed be God, who guides our feet along right paths. (R)
4. Blessed be God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (R)
Minister: Let us pray to God, the author and giver of life, in the words his Son taught us:
All: Our Father…
(For Adults)
God of all creation,
we offer you grateful praise for the gift of life. Hear the prayers of N., your servant, who recalls today the day of his/her birth and rejoices in your gifts of life and love, family and friends. Bless him/her with your presence and surround him/her with your love that he/she may enjoy many happy years, all of them pleasing to you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All : Amen.
(For Children)
Loving God,
you created all the people of the world and you know each of us by name. We thank you for N., who today celebrates his/her birthday. Bless him/her with your love and friendship that he/she may grow in wisdom, knowledge, and grace. May he/she love his/her family always and be faithful to his/her friends.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
(Holy Water is sprinkled on the family in silence.)
(If a priest is present, he concludes the rite by saying:)
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
All: Amen.
May his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
All: Amen.
May he look upon you with kindness and give you his peace.
All: Amen.
And may almighty God bless you all, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
(Or if a lay minister is presiding:)
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
All: Amen.
May his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
All: Amen.
May he look upon you with kindness and give you his peace.
All: Amen.