Every Orthodox mom should have this...

Bless them, O Lord, at home, at school, in their journeys and in every place of Thy dominion. Preserve and shelter them, O Lord, from flying bullets, arrows, the sword, poison and fire, from mortal wounds and sudden death. Guard them, O Lord, from all visible and invisible enemies, and from all danger, evil and misfortune.

-Akathist to the Mother of God "Nurturer of Children"

I just wanted to share with those of you who may have never heard of this beautiful service. I try to say it following my morning prayers, I want to get in the habit of doing that so that when my children start school they will be covered in my prayers. Our Gerontissa here always says that "a mother's prayers are the loudest to God."

I strongly encourage everyone to order at least one copy of this book. It is very inexpensive ($7 I think)and worth every penny. The most important thing we can do for our children is pray for them.

There are 6 books in this "series". The other five are:

Canon to the Lord for a sick child *another one I strongly recommend
Akathist to Jesus Christ "For A Loved One Who Has Fallen Asleep"
Akathist to the Mother of God "Healer of Cancer"
Akathist to the Guardian Angel "Who Keepeth Unceasing Watch Over One's Life"

They are published by:
St. Paisius Orthodox Monastery
P.O. Box 1075
Safford, AZ 85548

Below is a link to the "Nurturer of Children" Akathist. You can print it out until yours arrives in the mail!

May God and His All-Holy Mother guard and protect our children always.

http://www.serfes.org/orthodox/NuturerofChildren.htm