Father, I lift my children up to You. I remember watching one of them walk into school on the first day, backpack too big, turning around once to wave. I could not go with them through that door. I still cannot go everywhere they go, but You can.
Watch over them today. Be with them in the hallway and on the bus, in the group chat and in the car with friends. Give them good friends and the courage to walk away from the wrong ones. When they feel left out or unsure of themselves, remind them that they are Yours and deeply loved.
Teach them Your ways, Lord, and let them know Your peace. Plant Your word in their hearts, even on the days they roll their eyes at me. Where I have been impatient or distracted, cover my mistakes and help me do better tomorrow. Give me wisdom to know when to speak and when to simply listen.
I hand them back to You, because they were Yours first. Keep them safe, grow them strong, and draw them close to You all the days of their lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.
“And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.”
Isaiah 54:13 (KJV)