Lord, bless the mentally disabled, those whose minds do not grow with their bodies. Their handicap is not often immediately visible. They look forward to nothing but the simplest rewards of childlike desires: a warm smile, a touch, a kind word.

Make us, who do not share their limitations, more aware of how we can help them, in gratitude for the mental capacities which You have given us. Protect them, Lord, from harm; give courage to their families and patience to their teachers, that these, your special children, may reach their highest potential in this life. Then, as they are unable to seriously offend You, accept them into the heaven You have prepared for the very innocent.