When our Lord Jesus Christ had risen from the dead, he commanded his disciples to preach the gospel to all nations and to baptise those who believe. They obeyed his command and we read of the apostle Peter preaching in these words, ‘Repent and be baptised every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’
We read here the promise of God to give forgiveness and his Holy Spirit to all who turn to Christ. This promise also embraces the children of God’s people. The risen Jesus is willing to give the blessing of eternal life to our children whom we bring to him in faith. Children must themselves express their faith in God when they are able to do so. They must turn away from sin and put their trust in Jesus Christ.
You who already trust in Christ are asked to make the baptismal promises on behalf of these children. You must also undertake to teach and encourage them in the same faith.
Are you yourself a follower of Jesus Christ, trusting the gracious promises of God?
I am.
Are you willing to sponsor these children, answering for them now and accepting responsibility for their Christian upbringing in the life of the Church?
I am willing.
I ask you now to answer in the name of these children:
Do you turn away from your sins, the Devil and all evil?
I turn away from them all.
Do you turn to Christ?
I turn to Christ.
I ask you now to affirm as yours the faith of the Church.
Do you believe in God the Father almighty?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in God the Son?
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
I ask you in the name of these children:
Do you profess this faith?
I do.
Will you follow Jesus faithfully, and obey his commands throughout your life?
With his help, I intend to do so.
Let us thank God for the faith he has given us and pray for him to work in the lives of these children, so that they might trust in his Son and become living members of his church.
Heavenly Father,
we thank you that in your great love
you have called us to know you
and to trust you.
Increase this knowledge and strengthen our faith.
Give your Holy Spirit to these children,
that they may be born again,
cleansed from all sin,
and inherit your eternal kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
N, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
We receive this child into the congregation of Christ’s flock and sign him with the sign of the cross, to show that he will not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, and to fight bravely under his banner against sin, the world, and the devil, and to continue Christ’s faithful soldier and servant until his life’s end. Amen.
Praise God for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of his Holy Spirit. May he fulfil his promise and complete his saving work in you, bringing you into the joys of his eternal kingdom. Amen.
Gracious God,
in your Son Jesus Christ
you have brought us from death to life,
and we dedicate ourselves to you.
Produce in us the fruit of your Spirit.
Equip us to serve your people
and to advance your gospel in the world.
Enable us to live holy and righteous lives
and to please you in all that we do;
in the name of Jesus our Saviour. Amen
Heavenly Father,
we pray that the parents and godparents of these children
may teach them by word and example to know you.
Grant us in our homes the joy that comes from a living relationship with you,
through Jesus Christ your Son. Amen.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as in heaven
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. Amen.