Birthday, General (1-47)
Belated Birthday (48-49)
Birthday for Children and Teens (50-56)
Birthday for Relative (57)
Birthday for Two (58-62)
Birthday During Pregnancy (63-64)
Twelve-Step Birthday (65)
Birthday in Challenging Times (66-77)
Birthday While Dying (78-83)
Birthday Poems (84-88)
General Birthday (1-47)
God of Our Hearts,
You have blessed us with the magnificent gift of life, and we rejoice and are glad in this day, especially as we celebrate the life of our friend _____. In hope and expectation, we lift our prayers for your Spirit’s blessings upon her. Grace her with all she may need now and in the coming year. And continue to guard and strengthen her each day as you lead her into Christ’s paths of peace. In Christ we pray. (1)
Gracious God,
We give you all thanks and praise this day for the life of _____ in our midst. We are most grateful for the many ways she conveys your love, trust, and hope to us and to the world around her. Bless her today and in the year to come, as you guide, sustain, and encourage her. And grant her your wisdom and strength as she follows the steps of Jesus into the future you have planned for her. In Christ we pray. (2)
Weaver of Life,
How blest we are to be alive, wondrously woven together with others in your beautiful plan of Creation. We lift our hearts to you in joy and thanksgiving for your great Design and we thank you for the life of our dear sister, _____, whose bold faith and colorful spirit adds such vibrancy to our corner of the world. And let your blessings of grace and good will be upon her in the coming year, through Christ our Lord. (3)
Joy of the Earth,
We celebrate the life of our dear friend, _____, asking your holy touch upon her as she journeys into another year. We pray that you will keep her aware of your Spirit’s guiding presence with her always. Steady her feet in the path of Christ and let his light shine upon her and through her. Give her all she may need each day that she may find your abundant goodness and live each day in joy. Amen and amen. (4)
God of Jubilant Life,
We celebrate your incredible goodness to us as we mark the_____ anniversary of our dear _____’s birth by thanking you most dearly for her presence with us. Bless her abundantly in the coming year we pray. Keep her growing strong in wisdom, broad in love, and deep in the joy of living. Bless her with health in body, mind, and spirit, that she may travel the paths of your light and peace all her day. In Christ we pray. (5)
Holy God of All,
We thank you for the life you bestow upon our dear _____. We are grateful for her contagious spirit and for the many ways she ignites our community with her compassion and concern. And how we bless you for her ____ (gifts: beautiful music; faithful service; great joy)! Keep her steady and true as she continues to flourish throughout the coming year that she may joyfully witness to your goodness and love. In Christ we seek these blessings. (6)
Creating God,
You give us life and care for us with tender mercies all of our days. You rejoice in our being and delight in our uniqueness, all the while shaping us into the likeness of Christ. How we thank you for the unique and charming _____, whose life we celebrate this day. Grant her your favor now and in the coming year, we pray. Continue to nurture her and sustain her with your joy through all her days. In Christ we pray. (7)
Source of All Life,
It is our great joy to thank you for the good gift of life you have given to our friend, _____. We are grateful for the many ways she shares your grace and love with both strangers and friends alike. Pour out your Spirit upon her now and in the coming year, O Lord. Keep her alert to the surprises of joy that await her. Strengthen her for the challenges she may face, and refresh her in the deep pools of Christ's peace. In Him we pray. (8)
O Thou Who Art Life and Grace,
As a mother cradles her newborn child, so you embrace us in your care, warming us with your constant love and feeding us with divine kindness. Your Spirit glows upon our hearts like the morning sun and warms our hearts with hope. And so in hope and love, we celebrate in the life of your beloved child, _____. Grant her your blessings each morning, and give her your vision to see Christ's light when the nighttime comes. In the name of Jesus we pray. (9)
Light of All the Earth,
You fill our dark skies with the rays of your love and cause us to shine like the noontime sun. Wrapped in the warmth of your love, we blossom and flourish throughout our days. We thank you for the shining life of your dear child, _____, and ask your continued blessings upon her each day. Give to her all that she may need to blossom in faith, flourish in love, and abound in hope now and always. In Christ we pray. (10)
O Sustaining God,
It is by your loving goodness that we are given life, named as your beloved children, and sustained by your power all our days. We thank you today for your beloved child, ____, and for her loving, energetic presence among us. We celebrate her faithful service to you in humility and good humor. Bless her now and in the year to come, we pray. And endow her with all she may need to continue her journey of life in deep wisdom, good health, and great joy. In Christ we pray. (11)
O Eternal Love,
How lovely is the day where Thy Spirit abides! We thank Thee for _____, whose life reflects Thy abiding presence each day. We praise Thee for the many ways Thou hast shaped her for love, compassion, courage, hope, and joy. Grant that Thy shaping Spirit may continue to nurture her in grace, lead her in justice, and enfold her in the peace of Christ. In Thy holy name we pray. (12)
God of Miracles,
The miracle of life with you overwhelms our senses and brings us to a listening silence where we hear whispers of your love. How we thank you for the faith that woos us into daily intimacy with you. And we thank you particularly for _____, whose life we celebrate today. Shower your blessings on her now and in the coming year, and continue to lead her in Christ’s paths of peace and joy. In the Spirit of all that is holy we pray. (13)
O Source of All Goodness,
What a blessing we have in the gift of faith that helps us see your grace at work in our lives. How clearly we see your providence and grace upholding the life of our dear friend, _____! Her words are kind and gracious; her deeds are just and merciful. We celebrate her presence and ask your blessings to continue to flow upon her and through her. Give her all she may need and keep her rejoicing in the path of Jesus. In Christ we pray. (14)
O Beloved One,
We bless and adore you as you sustain and feed us with steadfast love that will not let us go. Today we celebrate and honor the steadfast, loving life of our sister, _____. As she enters her middle years we ask your blessings of the trust and joy of childhood and the wisdom and courage of the aged. And may the grace of Christ shine within her all her days. In the light of your glory we pray. (15)
O Fountain of Life,
Each day your Spirit carries us onward in the journey of our days and years. You call us to hope and to rejoice in you with the energy of our bodies, the focus of our minds, and the dance of our spirits. And we do so with deep gratitude.
We pray for our friend, _____, as she enters into a new year of life. Bless her today and all her tomorrows as you meet her needs according to your good will and mercy. And lead her onward as she follows the steps of our Teacher Jesus in the Great Dance of Grace, now and always. In Christ we pray. (16)
Grand and Glorious God,
We thank you that we are both challenged and fulfilled as we journey through life with you. We thank you particularly for your gift of life to _____ and for all the ways she reflects your love and hope in the midst of her challenges and trials. Let your light shine upon her today and in the coming year, we pray. Keep her open to the surprises of your grace and give her all she needs as she follows in the footsteps of Jesus our Savior. In Christ we pray. (17)
Most Loving God,
The magnificent gift of life is a gift of your grace to us. We delight in the life of _____, whose birthday we celebrate today. We seek your richest blessings upon her now and in the coming year. Grant to her your Spirit’s guidance each day and lead her in your myriad ways of justice, peace, and love. In Christ we pray. (18)
O Fount of Living Waters,
Your love showers us in blessings as it pours goodness, healing, and hope into the stream of our lives from cradle to grave. We ask your gracious outpouring of blessing upon _____, as we celebrate her life and compassionate ways among us. Satisfy the needs of her body, mind and spirit as you keep her moored in faith, anchored in trust, and harbored in hope, now and always. In Christ we pray. (19)
Gracious God,
As we live within the sanctuary of your love and taste the sweetness of your mercy. And in gratitude and joy, we lift before you our sister, _____. Be her sanctuary of rest and hope today as we celebrate her birthday, and throughout the coming year. Bestow upon her your richest blessings and lead her into the paths of joy and peace as she seeks your wisdom’s guiding hand. In the light of Christ we pray. (20)
O Infinite Love,
With a life steeped in the wonder of your love, your daughter, _____, brings the aroma of Christ’s joyful humility to those around her. We are deeply grateful for her life, and pray you will continue to pour out your Spirit upon her today and all of her tomorrows. Help her according to her need and your mercy, that she may never find cause to stop counting and naming your bountiful gifts. In the sweet Holy Spirit we pray. (21)
O God of New Beginnings,
With a song of joy we greet the new beginnings that each day offers, and we sing our hymns of thanks for your renewing Spirit that leads us to forgiveness and renewal in you. Thank you for the gift of life you bestow upon our sister _____. Bless her as she celebrates this time of new beginnings. Keep her clinging to hope in you and help her so to believe where her eyes cannot see that she finds each day to be a celebration of her birth and life with you. In Christ we pray. (22)
O Love Without End,
How exquisite is the gift of life lived in communion with you! We rejoice that you tether us one to the other as you help us blossom and flourish all our days. We thank you especially today for our sister, _____, whose compassion, wit, wisdom, and hospitality bless our community. Be with her in the coming year so your joy and peace may shine within as she follows in the steps of Jesus. In Christ we pray. (23)
God of Surprising Joy,
All along our way, you are with us. Even now your Spirit goes before us, guiding and guarding us on our journey. We rejoice in overflowing gratitude for such faithful love that will not let us go or ever turn away from us.
We thank you today for your dear child, _____, and seek your continued blessings upon her now and in the coming year. Keep her walking serenely behind Jesus, so that no matter what may unfold, she may find green pastures of joy and deep pools of peace. In the Good Shepherd we pray. (24)
Cloak of All Goodness,
Your steadfast love wraps around us with the warmth of the sun as it mends our wounds, heals our diseases, and causes us to reflect your goodness and mercy. We give you all thanks for these abundant blessings of your grace. And we pray for your humble servant, _____, who today celebrates her birthday. Bless her with all she may need. Continue to cause her to shine throughout the coming year as she shares the light of Christ with those around her. In Him we pray. (25)
God Our Vision,
In the brilliant light of love, we see the pathway of goodness and hope you would have us walk, and we are blessed. Shed the brightness of your covenant love upon our dear ____today as she marks the anniversary of her birth. Bless her with everything she may need to live according to your gracious good will and continue to lead her in Christ’s greenways of peace and hope. (26)
Architect of Grace,
The world overflows with signs of your exuberant love and the earth is full of the amazing wonders of your grace and good will. Our dear friend, _____ is a sign to us of your love and grace. We rejoice in the ways that she shares her life, faith, and time with those around her. Bless her now and in the coming year with all she may need, as you lavishly pour the peace of Christ into the depths of her soul. In the balm of your Spirit’s Breath we pray. (27)
O Blessed Shepherd,
Evidences of your faithful care and love surround us like the wildflowers of spring. Dwelling in the fields of your goodness, we respond with cries of praise and gratitude, especially for _____ whose life we celebrate today. Thank you for her dear presence among us that enriches our lives with her keen humor, piercing questions, and gifts of love. Bless her and keep her in the coming year that she might continue to revel within the abundant life of Christ, in whose joy we pray. (28)
Mighty Source of All,
We thank you for the beauty of nature and its good gift of life that sustains and delights all your creatures. We are especially grateful for the gift of ____’s beauty-filled life and for all the ways she cherishes and cares for your Creation. Breathe upon her now and in the coming year that she may continue to be blessed, nurtured, and astounded by joy. In Christ we pray. (29)
Great Choreographer of Life,
We are blessed that you teach us to dance in faith and exult in hope through the light and the darkness of our days. We especially thank you for _____, as she celebrates her special day today. Bless her as she continues to shine with compassion and joy following the steps of the Lord of the Dance. May she leap for joy throughout the coming time. (30)
God of All Goodness,
Our souls overflow with thanksgiving for the precious gift of being alive. We thank you today for our dear friend, _____, and for the countless ways she shares her vitality and joy in life, with all of its complications and pains. May your myriad blessings continue to fill her days and nights with goodness and mercy, as you keep her on the path of new life. In Jesus’ name we pray. (31)
O Boundless One,
Confined neither by time nor space, your love upholds the universe while calling us into life and sustaining us all our days. In a profusion of grace, you meet all of our needs, fill us with courage, and grant us the perseverance to follow your vision of peace. Bless your beloved daughter, _____, now and in the coming year as you continue to grant her wisdom, courage, and strength to live each day triumphantly as she follows Jesus in your ways everlasting. In Him we pray. (32)
O Ground of our Being,
You are a taproot of grace that anchors our lives in you as you bless us with Spirit that lifts our hearts on wings of joy and hope. We ask your continued blessings of roots and wings upon _____, today and in the year to come. Ground her firmly in your wisdom and lift her gently by your mercy, that she may both bloom and soar in the Reign of Christ, in whose name and for whose sake we pray. (33)
O Stronghold of the Universe,
Your steadfast love is the beating heart of Creation. We thank you for the amazing grace that animates all life and ask your magnificent blessings upon your beloved child, _____, today and in the coming year. As her days unfold within your care, continue to grant her all that she may need to serve your Reign of Love. And give her a full measure of hope and joy as you lead her in the paths of Jesus in whose love we pray. (34)
O Keeper of Promises,
We thank you for your Spirit’s faithful care that upholds us by your power, guides us by your wisdom, and renews us by your mercy. We ask your special favor upon our sister, _____, on this day of celebration for her life. Give her a day of joy and thanksgiving. Bring her a year of meaningful work, deep rest and rejuvenating play. And help her find an ever-deeper tranquility in your presence through the Prince of Peace, in whose hope we pray. (35)
O Faithful One,
You welcome, forgive, and heal us in never-ending love, guiding us toward your good will and purposes within the Matrix of your grace. We joyfully thank you for all that you are to us and all people, especially our sister, _____. Rest your hand upon her and grant her an overflowing measure of your Spirit today and in the coming year. In your Goodness bless and keep her in peace of Christ all of her days. In your Holy love we pray. (36)
Abiding Mystery,
We cannot know you completely, but we know your Spirit that abides with us to help us thrive in this life of scarcity and abundance, of sorrow and joy. We ask your thriving blessings now upon your beloved child, _____, as we honor her life. May her journey with you continue in the joy, good health, integrity, courage, and hope that she seeks as you lead her in the Way everlasting. Hallelujah! Amen. (37)
O Source of All Love,
You turn our hearts of stone into beating drums of thanksgiving and praise as you give us faith to know you, hearts to love you, and willing hands to serve you. We thank you for the blessing of _____’s presence in our lives, for the faith she shares, and the good news she spreads through all that she does. Continue to fill her mouth with songs of your love each day, her hands with deeds of your mercy, and her spirit with your joy now and in the coming year. In Jesus we pray. (38)
O Carpenter of Our Days,
Your measure is mercy; your brick is faithfulness, and your mortar is love.
With Jesus as our cornerstone, you build us up each day so we may be your people, strong and true. We ask you to bless and favor our dear sister, _____, as we celebrate her life today. Scaffold her with a certainty of your good will and tether her to faith and hope all her days so she may follow the blueprint of your Reign of Love, now and forever. In Christ we pray. (39)
O Surprising One,
Day by day we are astounded anew by the ways you instill your Breath within our inward being to guide us through the Matrix of Grace. We pray your grace anew upon _____ as we celebrate her life. Shower her with blessings beyond counting in the coming year and give her all she may need, that she may continue to follow the Way of Christ in trust, compassion, and jubilation. (40)
God of All the Generations,
Your grace abounds in the spaces between darkness and light, despair and hope, scarcity and abundance. We are so grateful that you fill this life with good things as we live and move and have our being in you. We thank you for those gifts of grace, especially today for the gift of life you give to our friend, _____. Bless and season her in the coming year with all the light she may need to grow in wisdom, hope, and joy. In your Holy Name we pray. (41)
God of the Journey,
The whole Creation speaks of your beauty and power, singing your praise and telling the story of your joy in our being. It is a gift beyond measure to know that we are all part of a Great Plan and that we each have our part to play. We pray today for your beloved daughter, _____, and ask your bountiful blessing upon her in the coming year. Grant her courage for today and hope for tomorrow within the peace and light of Christ. (42)
Eternal One,
We are most grateful for the immense treasure of our breath, of our body, of this sacred adventure we are given that will never come again. We thank you today for the vibrant life of your beloved daughter, _____. We are grateful for her hospitable heart, her wonderful sense of humor, and her marvelous creativity. As she steps out into the coming year, may she thrive in hope, dwell in peace, and leap in joy. In your holy joy we pray. (43)
God of Wonders,
With thankful hearts we celebrate the life of _____, whose caring ways and loving heart swirl with your grace. Bless her as she walks the sacred ground of each day. Prosper and hallow the work of her hands and heart, now and in the coming year. And as she seeks to bless others, hear her prayers and grant her your peace. In the name of all that is holy we pray. (44)
God of All That Is,
Your passion for all you create is embedded into the gift of life itself. And so we lift our hearts in praise and joy as we bless your holy name. We celebrate that we are bound to you and to one another with ties that cannot be broken. We celebrate the birth of _____ some _____ years ago. We thank you for her gifts of kindness, generosity, and hospitality that she shares with one and all. May she find all that she may need as she resounds in joy forevermore! Amen. (45)
Giver of This Day,
Your steadfast love and goodness are the beginning and ending of life itself. You carefully craft the multiverses, weaving together unknown dimensions while gently breathing life into our world, and into each of one of us. Today we thank you for our friend _____, who has a driving desire to explore your world to the fullest. Be with her now and in the coming year, we pray. Give her all she may need to continue her journey of discovery in what it means to be alive. (46)
Composer of the Symphony of Life,
You tune our hearts to sing your grace and direct us in the Song of abundant living. How we thank you for the music of the spheres that lifts our hearts in joy! And we bless you for the life of our dear _____. We are grateful for the grace that embraces her and lifts her into a soaring flight of compassion. Fill her with all she may need, that she may find even higher joy, wider hope, and deeper peace singing in Holy Harmony with your Song of Love, through Jesus Christ. (47)
Belated Birthday (48-49)
Abiding Love,
We raise our thanksgiving that we are born of flesh and spirit, cherished children one and all. Thank you for _____ , your beloved daughter whose birthday last _____ we celebrated today. We thank you for her joie de vivre, her humility, and for the compassion she showers on those in need. Bless her in the coming year with these hallmarks in her life proclaiming your transformational grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. (48)
God of All Days,
Although her birthday has passed, we know that you hold all time together as one, and so we pray for your deep blessings to flow upon your beloved daughter, _____, in this her “birthday season.” As she journeys into another year, let her life be like a garden watered with your grace that she may find an abundance of love and joy and peace blooming throughout the coming year. In your Son we pray. (49)
Birthday for Children and Teens (50-56)
Dear God,
Thank you for families that love and care for us. We pray for _____ on her ____ birthday and for her mommy and daddy, too. Help her to grow strong in body, mind, and spirit. Help her to remember that you are crazy about her! And help everyone who cares for her to teach her your ways, so she will know and love you all the days of her life. In Jesus’ name we pray. (50)
Dear God,
We thank you for _____ on her special birthday. We thank you for her family and friends, and all the ways they show her your love and care. Help them to raise her up in goodness and peace. Give her a great day, and keep her safe and healthy in the coming year. In Christ we pray. (51)
Dear God,
We thank you for the wonderful first year of life you have given to _____. We are blessed to know her and joyfully pray for her and her parents. Meet her every need according to your good will and loving heart. Keep her safe, strong and healthy. Give _____ and _____ all that they will need to help her to blossom one day into a woman of love, faith, and hope. In Christ we pray. (52)
Gracious God,
We thank you today for the gift of life to your dear child, _____, and for all the ways she fills our days with joy. Bless her now and in the year ahead. Grant her growing wisdom and faith as she continues to mature in body and mind. Clothe her in your righteousness, keep her safe and healthy, and help her to remember to turn to you at all times, especially when making critical choices. In Christ we pray. (53)
Awesome God,
We see your compassionate, forgiving face in Jesus, and we bow in adoration. We thank today you for your beloved child, _____. And we delight that you are shaping her into a compassionate seeker of justice on behalf of those in need. Bless her now as you continue to guide her in the path of Jesus. O let it be that she may continue to mature into a woman of great integrity and overflowing joy. In Christ we pray. (54)
Precious Lord,
We thank you for the wonder of love and the way it shapes us into becoming loving people. We bless you for the wonder of faith and the way it helps us grow into faithful, gentle people. And we praise you for the wonder of joy and the way you lead us into jubilant living.
We are so grateful for your beloved daughter, _____, and for all the love, faith, and joy she exudes. Keep her under your watchful care and lead her onward into the awaiting arms of a grace-filled life. In Christ. (55)
O Hound of Heaven,
You pursue us across the span of our lives, calling for us to listen and to trust. Captivated by your love, we are both blessed and challenged as we follow Jesus in a life of intimate companionship with you. On this special day, let your grace abound upon your dear child _____. And bless her as you continue to lead her into a life of righteousness, peace, and joy. In Jesus we pray. (56)
Birthday for Relative (57)
Great Weaver of Family Love,
We are so grateful for our beloved (aunt, cousin, etc.) whose birthday we celebrate today. We thank you for the many ways she has blessed us through our bonds of family love, especially for her kindness, hospitality of heart, and (other characteristics). Give her all she may need now and in the coming year to continue her journey in grace. May she find resounding joy in the light of day and the peace that passes all understanding when darkness falls. In Christ we pray. (57)
Birthday for Two (58-62)
Astounding God of Grace,
We rejoice in the special honor you have given _____ and _____ to share the same birthday and we ask double blessings upon these two as they each celebrate the gift of life you give them. Guide them into the coming year and strew their paths with signs of your grace and assurances of your abiding presence. Give to each what she may need today and every day, and continue to lead them in your ways of justice, peace, and compassion. We pray in the love of Christ. (58)
Source of All Life,
We thank you for the life of _____, and for her twin, _____, who has journeyed with her from the womb. Bless them in their relationship today and in the coming year that they may continue to find new meaning and hope in the threads of grace that wrap them together. Fill them with your joy, encourage them with your Spirit, and lead them ever onward in the light and peace of Christ toward that day when they, like us all, shall know as we are known. All glory and praise to you! In Christ we pray. (59)
Eternal Love,
Our mortal thoughts fail to comprehend your majesty, yet even through our veiled vision, you help us come to know that we are upheld by your steadfast love, and sustained by your good and merciful Spirit throughout our days and beyond.
Pour out your Spirit now upon _____ and _____, as they celebrate the life you give them. In your abundant grace, bless them in the coming year with the trust of childhood, the self-discovery of the middle years, and the wisdom, courage, and freedom of the later years. And give each one all she may need to continue to hallow your name in compassionate service and dazzling joy. In Christ we pray. (60)
Matrix of Grace,
You are our beginning and our ending and we lift our Hallelujahs as we celebrate the gift of life. Today especially the way you create each of us as unique and precious children of your Love. We especially celebrate your two beloved daughters, _____and _____, and ask your abiding Spirit to bless them each according to their needs and your good will. Give them all that they may need to continue bless their families, their friends, and those they reach out to serve.
Keep your guiding hand upon them so that in good times and in bad, they may abound in faith, celebrate the joy of being, and overflow with the hope of each new day. In the sweet aroma and blessed peace of Christ we pray. (61)
O Loving Holy One,
Our mortal thoughts fail to comprehend your majesty, yet even through our veiled vision, you help us recognize that we are upheld by your steadfast love, and sustained by your good and merciful Spirit throughout our days and beyond.
Pour out your Spirit now upon our dear sisters, _____ and _____, as they celebrate the life you give them with such abundant grace. We pray that you will bless them in the coming year with the trust and joy of childhood, the seeking heart and self-discovery of the middle years, and the wisdom, courage, and freedom of the later years. And sustain each with one all she may need to hallow your name in compassionate service and dazzling joy. In Christ we pray. (62)
Birthday During Pregnancy (63-64)
O Womb of All Love,
We thank you today for the love we share with _____, whose birth we celebrate today. We ask you to be with her now and in the coming year. Keep her safe through the remaining stages of her journey to motherhood and bless the little one who is bound to her as we are bound to you. Be her midwife of health and her birthing stool of joy, that all may be well, according to your good will and Spirit's power. In Christ we pray. (63)
Fountain of Life,
You place us in families where we learn what it means to love, to forgive, and to become the persons you intend us to be. We celebrate the birth of _____ today and seek your blessing as she co-creates with you the new life within her. Let your creating Spirit abound upon them both, as you help her to feast on the wonders of your grace during the gestation and birth of this sacred new life-in-the-making. In Christ we pray. (64)
Twelve-Step Birthday (65)
God of New Beginnings,
Our spirits soar at the vision you hold up for us as persons healed and sober. We bless you for day of celebration as _____ marks the completion of ____ years of sobriety. Continue to sustain and strengthen her as you demonstrate your power through her weakness. Grant her serenity, courage, and wisdom, and lead her onward in the road of recovery with a new beginning each day. In Christ we pray. (65)
Birthday In Challenging Times (66-77)
O Force of Life,
We are so grateful for your meticulous care of all life through the generations, and thank you especially this day for the life you give to _____. Bless her in the coming year through all of the challenges set before her. Give her the ability to choose wisely and the strength to meet what is ahead in faith and trust. And grant her the peace that passes understanding. In Christ we pray. (66)
O God of the Universe,
You plot the course of the sun and moon and you guide the stars in their appointed places. Through blissful times of calm and through tragic times of turbulence, you lead us onward into a future brimful of your grace. We ask your special birthday blessings upon _____, especially in this time of tragedy in her family when joy seems so far away. Strengthen her steps and guide herby your light until the darkness is no more. In the eternal love of Christ we pray. (67)
Keeper of Our Days,
We are grateful for your faithful care, especially in painful times of loss and sorrow. But even in the midst of our darkest days, you speak to us of life and never-ending love. We are grateful for the love we have for our dear _____, and we celebrate her life today. Let your Spirit hover over her, that she may enjoy your blessings even in the midst of grief. Sustain her by your strength, lead her by your wisdom, and console her in the peace of our Lord Jesus. In Christ we pray. (68)
O Guardian of Each Moment,
Under your watchful care we find meaning and hope for our days even in times of loss and despair. By the power of your Spirit, we are strengthened to be your faithful, joyful people, and so with joy we honor our friend, _____. Be the shade at her right hand, the light in her darkness, and the hope of her tomorrows. With a shepherd’s tender care keep her steady and secure, and help her remember your blessings with thanksgiving and joy. In Christ we pray. (69)
O Hovering God,
Like an eagle protecting her young, your watchful eyes are always upon us. You nurture us with your faithful love and hide us in the shadow of your wings in times of trouble. We pray your birthday blessings upon, _____, and seek your healing grace upon her at this time of illness. Give her all she may need each day so that her spirit may soar on the wings of your joy and her body rest content in the tender hands of Christ. In Jesus we pray. (70)
O God our Refuge,
Like an eagle teaching her young to fly, catching them safely in her spreading wings, you buffer our falls and give us hope. You carry us when we’re too shaky to walk, and you cause us to soar on the wings of your love. We ask blessings deep and wide upon _____ today as we celebrate her birth. Catch her in your spreading wings, we pray. Renew her strength and help her to soar. Bathe her in the light of Christ and fill her with his peace and joy. In Christ we pray. (71)
O Transforming God,
How dependent we are on your amazing grace for all things. . . for hearts that beat and lungs that fill and fill again. . .for the ability to receive care from those who are the hands of Christ to us. . .and for the gift of a life full of wonders and signs of your abiding Spirit. We celebrate the life of our dear _____, and lift her up to you during her prolonged illness. Lead her to better health and energy. Grant her strength and help her find the still waters of peace each day. In Jesus we pray. (72)
Holy God,
We offer our heartfelt gratitude for the special happiness that we find in the people you place in our lives. We thank you especially today for our wonderful friend, _____. You know her needs and are acquainted with all her sorrows. Grant her “birthday blessings” now and in the coming year according to your good will and mercy. Be her strength, courage, wisdom, and let the peace of Jesus be a bridge over the troubled waters before her. In Christ we pray. (73)
God of Abiding Mercy,
We thank you for the precious gift of life that you have given to _____. We honor her today and thank you for all the ways we have been blessed by her presence, friendship, and compassionate heart. Continue to pour out your Spirit upon her, giving her strength and peace for her soul as she lies quietly on her sickbed. May she find your grace to be sufficient for all her needs and your love to be the source of soaring spirits and hope. In Jesus our Savior we pray. (74)
God of All Our Days,
How we thank Thee for all Thy blessings bestowed upon us throughout our earthly journey in such abundance! We ask Thy gracious blessings upon _____ as we celebrate the completion of another year of her journey. In love and mercy, continue to heal, strengthen, and lift her toward better health. And grant her Thy power to persevere that she may bear all things with courage, patience, and joy. In Christ we pray. (75)
Hope of the Ages,
We celebrate the life we share together with your dear daughter, _____, ask your Spirit’s transforming power to bless and keep her in the coming year as she faces an unknown and frightening future. Help her to rise to the challenges with courage and trust. And bless her always with the grace and the great shalom of our Teacher and Friend. In Jesus we pray. (76)
Great Sower of Life,
Today we sing in thanksgiving for the life you give to _____ even as we lay before you her particular concerns, for you are deeply acquainted with all her suffering. Bless her with your Spirit’s touch now and in the coming time so she may always remember that your grace is sufficient for all her needs. In Christ we pray. (77)
Birthday While Dying (78-83)
O Heart of our Hearts,
Your gift for each of us is a grace-filled life sustained by your Spirit. We experience this goodness most profoundly when you place others in our lives that gladden our hearts with love and joy. That is why we clap our hands in thanksgiving for the gift of _____’s life whose birthday we celebrate today. Shower her with your deep, rich blessings now and in the short time she has left on this earth. And slake her thirst each day as she drinks from the still waters of your peace until she wants no more. In Christ we pray. (78)
Eternal God,
Ageless and mighty, you are a tower of strength for us throughout the span of our years. Even as our bodies grow weaker and our faculties dim, you call us to thanksgiving and praise for each day. Especially today, we lift to you our gratitude for our dear and precious friend _____.
Bless her now as you have throughout her long life. Help her to remember how dearly she is loved. And give her strength, courage, and wisdom as you lead her gently home to her final rest and comfort. In Christ we pray. (79)
Author of Each Day,
You write your love in our days and etch your grace in our deepest nights. How we thank you for your amazing gift of life and for all that you teach us as we live out our unique "book of life" as your beloved, beloved child. What a well of joy and peace we find in the midst of the learning!
We pray now for your beloved daughter, _____, as she moves into another year. Guide her feet and be her compass of wisdom as she makes her way into the journey you call her to take. Give her all that she may need so that her heart overflows with gratitude and peace so that it may be well with her soul as she follows the light of Christ each day. In the Word of love we pray. (80)
God of All of Our Years,
How good it is to know that you are with us and for us and in us from our first breath until our last and beyond. We thank and praise you for each breath, each day, each year of our lives. We pray now for our friend, _____, as she enters into another year of life. We are grateful for her wisdom, her faith, her loving heart, and her enjoyment of the beauty and wonder of this world and all people.
We ask that you will grant her all that she may need in the coming year. Bless her as only you can, and bless her and shine through her in all that she says and does, that her life may continue to be a gift to all who know her. In Christ we pray. (81)
O Stronghold of the Universe,
Your steadfast love is the beating heart of all Creation, the animating spirit of grace that dances in, through, and over all that lives. We pour out our gratitude for the gift of life, especially the life of our dear _____as she celebrates the steps of the dance that lay behind her and searches out those wooing her onward.
Manifest your blessings upon her today and in the coming year, we pray. And as her dance continues to unfold within your guardian ardor, grant her a full measure of health, joy, love, and peace. With her, we bless your holy name and rise to serve your Reign of Love in the Way of Jesus. In the light and hope of that name we pray. (82)
Source and Guide of All That Is,
How we thank you for the gift of your Breath that moves the Cosmos, moves the Earth, and moves our hearts according to your gracious plan! And on this day as she celebrates her journey of _____ years, we kneel in gratitude for the gift of life you grant your beloved daughter, _____.
We thank you for the pilgrimage of her days, for her wisdom gathered and shared, for her quick laughter and her eagerness to continue to grow into her becoming. And as she practices her trust that “it is what it is,” may she continue to find that what “it is” brings light in the darkness, peace in the turmoil, and joy in the dance of life. All this we pray in your holy Name. (83)
Birthday Poems (84-88)
O God Above, Below, Between
we celebrate your daughter, Queen (____)
[or/. . .your dear son, King (_____)]
In love and prayer we lift her up
And ask you now to fill her cup.
Grant her blessing all year long,
Fill her heart with joyful song.
Let her lips resound with praise
Crowning her throughout her days.
Bless her, meet her every need;
Move to comfort, and with speed
Give her joy, deep peace, and grace,
Let her see your shining face. (84)
Weaving God of time and space,
Bringing life to every place,
We thank you now for _____ your child
On whose heart you’ve always smiled.
Smile again as at her birth,
Give her hope and peace and mirth,
Shining light upon each day,
As in joy she makes her way. (85)
O Ruler of the earth and space,
Conceiver of all love and grace,
We ask your blessings, love and care
Upon your child we hold in prayer.
As Spirit guides and grace prevails,
In heart, in faith, in all travails,
We pray you'll guard and keep always,
And grant your favor all her days.
We praise your name for year and day,
For life and growing in your way.
Give joy and hope and Jesus' light
Transform us all 'til clear and bright. (86)
Bless this child who is so dear,
With a day of thankful cheer.
May the year be full of love
Filled with blessings from above. (87)
The gift of life is sweet, profound,
For blessings from Thy heart abound.
All praise that flowing from Thy grace
We know Thy love for human race.
'Tis right to celebrate and cheer
The gift of life in each child dear,
And pray Thy birthday blessings deep,
Will bring great joy and hope to keep.
And so this child we now uplift
And ask 'twill be a special gift
As Spirit wraps, enfolds within,
A year of goodness to begin.
All praise to Thee our Source divine!
All praise to Thee our End sublime!
Thy love and honor is the Key
That brings all creatures home to Thee. (88)
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