Lord,

Parenting our children is bittersweet. We celebrate their independence but feel the pain of letting go. Gathering our scraps of courage, we watch them pull out of the driveway with a shiny new license. We pack their bags for their first week away at summer camp or their first semester in the dorm at college. We open our arms to release them to the embrace of their bride or groom. The milestones of growing up bring great joy—we prepared them well to stand on their own. Yet our hearts ache as we miss their faces around our table.

Deepen our trust in you so we can place our children in your hands. Be the source of wisdom for the decisions they face. Provide strength to run hard on the path you’ve marked out for their lives. Give them deep faith in your love to spare them fear and doubt. Surround them with Christ-followers who encourage them to walk closely with you. Keep them under your wing, finding security and peace as your precious children. Amen.

You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Lord, you establish peace for us;
all that we have accomplished you have done for us.
(Isaiah 26:3,12)