5 Prayers for Grandparents to Hold in Their Hearts
No matter how rough our week or stormy the weather, joy fills the house when our grandkids come through the door. Life as “Grammie” and “Bumpa” holds blessings we never could have imagined!
But it also brings questions and concerns that we ask every day. Things like:
How can we show these little ones how much they’re loved?
How do we create memories that last?
Will they be safe and sound in this world?
How can we support our adult children as they raise our grandchildren?
How do we share the goodness of God?
Do we have the wisdom and strength to grandparent well?
These questions can sometimes leave us feeling worried and troubled. We realize that just as we pray for our grandchildren—for their health and safety, peace and joy—we need prayer too.
We know your grandchildren hold your whole heart as well. Let’s lift up these five prayers for God’s encouragement and help as we love these precious ones He’s placed in our lives:
1) To Release My Fears
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
Lord,
My imagination runs wild with all the threats, seen and unseen, that could harm the child I love. Will they suffer sickness or accidents? Will they feel bullied, rejected, or second best? What if they struggle to learn or grow? How will they cope with failed hopes or broken dreams? Will they be happy? Confident? Secure? My fears can steal my sleep and test my faith in you.
Help me to trust in your power and love that never fails. When this world seems chaotic, give assurance that you’re in control. Keep me on my knees in prayer when fears are consuming my thoughts. May I take you at your Word that tells me you’re my “refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Fill me with brave and steady hope that breathes peace into my grandchild’s spirit. I want to praise you every day for your goodness to us all.
Amen.
2) To Set an Example
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good.” – Titus 2:7
Lord,
My grandchild doesn’t miss a thing! They notice if the dog is wearing a new collar. They clue in to the glint of sadness in my eyes before I can get a grip on my emotions. They’re quick to point out if I’m paying more attention to my phone than the story they’re trying to tell. I need to remember that my words, attitudes, and actions will impact my grandchild’s heart and mind.
Help me to keep watch over what I do and say so I set an example worth following. Quiet my voice when I’m tempted to gossip, complain, or criticize those around me. Keep me humble so I’m patient and forgiving of others. Give me the drive to work and serve with a willing spirit. Keep me tenderhearted with the compassion of Jesus. Let my life paint a picture of your wisdom and love for this child to see.
Amen.
3) To Rest in God
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Lord,
Grandparenting is a more beautiful gift than I could have imagined. Yet with its joys, it holds its share of grief. I can’t always be there to cheer from the sidelines. I don’t always have a front-row seat to witness my grandchild’s milestones as they grow. I can struggle to keep up with a child’s busy energy. When they are wrestling with difficult hurts or questions, I can’t supply all the answers. Sometimes I’m not the patient, positive person I long to be in their life. I ache to love this child more fully, as you love me.
Teach me what it means to lean on your strength and rest in your mercy. Show me how to celebrate and support, cherish, and care from right where I am. Keep me faithful in prayer since you can do more than I ask or imagine for the one I love (Ephesians 3:20). Fill me with your kindness and joy that will bless my family.
Amen.
4) To Honor Their Emotions
“Then [Job’s three friends] sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.” – Job 2:13
Lord,
There is always a new project or plan on the horizon. It can feel like my phone, my calendar, and my to-do list are running my life. It can be a struggle to slow down and pay attention to my heart’s needs and your voice as my Shepherd. As I neglect my own spirit, I lose touch with my loved one’s emotions too.
Show me how to stay in tune with my grandchild’s thoughts and feelings. Use me to create a safe space where they can express the fears, disappointments, hopes, and hurts they carry inside. Let me create a culture in our family where we offer unconditional grace and gentle comfort. Teach us how to listen well. May my grandchild know your compassion through our love for one another.
Amen.
5) To Love Like Jesus
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
Lord,
My heart was overwhelmed with love before my grandchild was even born. They have heard me say “I love you” too many times to count. I whisper those words in their ear. I write them on their cards and notes. I text them from my phone. When we say hello, goodbye, or anything in between, they’re sure to hear they’re loved.
Yet you created love to be so much more than the words I speak. I pray I’ll be the kind of grandparent who shows up when they’re in pain. I want to celebrate their victories and hold them close when they’re grieving their losses. When my grandchild is struggling, give me a willing heart to share my time, money, and strength to meet their needs. If they’re confused or disobey your Word, help me to gently speak the truth so they can find their way again. Keep me faithful in prayer for this child every day as they grow.
Amen.
As grandparents, we are uniquely placed in our grandchildren’s lives to be a source of fun, encouragement, and support. We are blessed to be in a position to nourish and help these little hearts grow to love Jesus. But in order to do that, we need to take the time to pause and regularly invest in our own relationship with our Heavenly Father.
We hope these prayers have calmed your fears and led you to turn to the Father for comfort and wisdom while you spend time with your grandchildren!
Looking for a great way to continue praying over the grandchild you love? We created One-Minute Prayers for Grandparents to help you lift up your hopes and concerns to the One who holds them in his hands.
