# A Parents' Prayer for Their Children
*2008-10-23*

> Bill Young shares a heartfelt prayer for parents, asking God for wisdom, patience, and love in guiding their children.

## Introducing the Prayer

Good afternoon. This is Bill Young, and welcome to the 180th episode of Catholic Podcast Ministries, Prayer and Lunch. Today's lunchtime prayer is called “Parents’ Prayer for Their Children.” I dedicate this prayer to all the children out there, especially my own son.

## The Prayer

O Lord, omnipotent Father, we give You thanks for having given us children. They are our joy, and we accept them with serenity, even their worries, fears, and labors that bring us pain. Help us to love them sincerely. Through us You gave life to them; from eternity You know them and love them. Give us the wisdom to guide them, the patience to teach them, and the strength to accustom them to the good through our example. Sustain our love so that we may receive them back when they have strayed and lead them to holiness.

It is often so difficult to understand them, to be what they would want us to be, to help them walk their own path. Grant that they may always see our home as a haven in their time of need. Teach us and help us, O good Father, through the merits of Jesus, Your Son and our Lord.

## Reflection

Parenting is a daily pilgrimage, requiring divine assistance to balance guidance with freedom. By praying this prayer we ask the Holy Trinity to fill our homes with grace, so that children grow in faith and love, and parents remain steadfast witnesses of Christ.

*May we trust that God equips us with the wisdom and patience needed to nurture our children toward holiness.*