Back to School Prayers Part III - For Sons and Daughters Leaving Home

"Back to School" doesn't always apply to the adorable child wearing a new backpack eager to get back to friends and school. As many a mom will agree, those years absolutely fly by! Sometimes 'back to school' involves a new school, a long way away. Instead of the school bus bringing the sweet child home each afternoon, it may be weeks or months before we see that child who although forever stays small in our heart, is now an adult.

As we send our 'grown up' boys and girls back to school, it is more serious than abc and 123...they stand on the threshold of lifelong career choices which will affect their future. This 'back to school' is intense and surely needs prayer...for the student and the parent!

A Parent’s Prayer When A Daughter Leaves Home

Gracious God, you blessed me with the gift of my child and entrusted me with her care.

Surround her with good people and watch over her each day. And let her know that I will always be near whenever she may need me.

Heal any hurts we may harbor with each other and forgive our failings as we learn to be in a new kind of relationship with each other.

And when the sight of her empty room pierces my heart with sadness, may I find comfort in knowing that my child is your child too, filled with your grace and sheltered by your love.

Amen.

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A Parent’s Prayer When A Son Leaves Home

Gracious God, you blessed me with the gift of my child and entrusted me with his care.

Now he leaves this home and begins a new life apart from me. Surround him with good people and watch over him each day.

And let him know that I will always be near whenever he may need me. Heal any hurts we may harbor with each other and forgive our failings as we learn to be in a new kind of relationship with each other.

And when the sight of his empty room pierces my heart with sadness, may I find comfort in knowing that my child is your child too, filled with your grace and sheltered by your love.

Amen.

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