Prayers for Your Children, and Prayers Children Can Say

Where a prayer says “them,” a parent can say “my children” or a child’s name.

From the Book of Common Prayer

O Lord Jesus Christ, who dost embrace children with the arms of thy mercy, and dost make them living members of thy Church; Give them grace, we pray thee, to stand fast in thy faith, to obey thy word, and to abide in thy love; that, being made strong by thy Holy Spirit, they may resist temptation and overcome evil, and may rejoice in the life that now is, and dwell with thee in the life that is to come; through thy merits, O merciful Saviour, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest one God, world without end. Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer (1928), Prayers, “For Children,” p. 43

Good prayers for kids use short sentences a child would say anyway. These are simple enough for a young child to learn.

In the morning

Thank you, God, for this new day. Help me listen, be kind and tell the truth. Stay with me all day. Amen.

At bedtime

Dear God, thank you for today. I am sorry for the wrong things I did. Please bless Mom and Dad and everyone I love, and keep us safe tonight. Amen.

When I am scared

Jesus, I am scared. Please be with me and help me be brave. “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee” (Psalm 56:3). Amen.

For patience

God, I want everything now, and waiting is hard. Help me wait without whining and share without fighting. Amen.

Before a test

God, help me remember what I studied and stay calm. Help me do my best and be honest. Amen.

For someone who needs help

Dear Jesus, my friend [name] is sad (or sick). Please help [him or her] feel better, and show me how I can help too. Amen.

After a fight or a mistake

God, I did something wrong and I feel bad. Please forgive me, and help me say sorry to the person I hurt. Amen.

This Catholic prayer to the guardian angel is short enough for a young child to learn:

Angel of God, my Guardian dear, To whom His love commits me here, Ever this day be at my side, To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

A Manual of Prayers for the Use of the Catholic Laity (1888), p. 54

It’s natural to want to shield our children from every danger. While we can’t be with them every second, we can entrust them to God’s loving and powerful protection. This prayer asks for God’s presence to be a shield around them, guarding their bodies, minds, and spirits from harm, both seen and unseen.

Heavenly Father,

I come before You today with a parent’s heart, asking for Your divine protection over my children. Lord, You are their ultimate guardian, a strong tower they can run to and be safe. I pray that Your angels would surround them, encamp around them, and keep them from harm’s way.

Please protect their bodies from sickness, accidents, and any physical danger. Guard their minds from fear, anxiety, and the negative influences of this world that seek to steal their peace and innocence. Protect their hearts from bitterness, discouragement, and the pain of unkindness.

Guide their steps, Lord, so they walk in paths of safety and righteousness. Give them discernment to recognize and avoid dangerous situations or harmful influences. May they always feel Your presence near them, a comforting and protective force in their lives. Keep them safe as they go out and as they come in, today and always.

Thank You, Lord, for being their constant protector and shield.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

In a world full of choices and confusing messages, our children deeply need wisdom and discernment. Wisdom helps them understand what is true and right, while discernment helps them distinguish between good and bad, helpful and harmful. This prayer asks God to cultivate these essential qualities in their hearts and minds.

Gracious God, Source of all true wisdom,

I lift up my children to You, asking that You would bless them abundantly with wisdom and discernment. Fill them with the knowledge of Your will and give them spiritual understanding in all things. Help them to see the world through Your eyes, to value what You value, and to make choices that honor You.

Lord, grant them the ability to discern truth from falsehood, right from wrong, and wisdom from foolishness. When they face decisions, big or small, guide their thoughts and impress upon their hearts the best path to take. Protect them from deception and help them to recognize and resist temptation.

May they learn to listen to Your still, small voice and to seek Your guidance in all their endeavors. Help them to understand that true wisdom begins with reverence for You. As they grow, may their understanding deepen, and may they apply Your wisdom to their studies, their relationships, and all areas of their lives.

Thank You for being their ultimate teacher and guide.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

We desire for our children to be healthy and strong, full of energy to learn, play, and grow. This prayer is an appeal to God for their physical well-being, for strength not just in their bodies, but also in their spirits to face life’s demands with resilience.

Lord God, our Healer and Sustainer,

I bring my children before You, asking for Your blessing of health and strength upon them. Please watch over their bodies, promoting growth and vitality. Protect them from illnesses, diseases, and injuries. Where there is any sickness, Lord, I pray for Your healing touch to restore them to full health.

Grant them physical energy for their daily activities, for their studies, and for their play. Help them to learn how to care for their bodies as temples of Your Spirit, making wise choices regarding food, rest, and exercise.

Beyond physical strength, I pray for inner strength. Fortify their spirits, Lord, so they can face challenges with courage and perseverance. Build in them resilience to bounce back from setbacks and disappointments. May they find their ultimate strength in You, knowing that even when they feel weak, You are strong.

Thank You for the precious gift of their lives and their health.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Friendships play a crucial role in a child’s development, offering companionship, support, and opportunities for social growth. This prayer asks God to guide our children in their relationships, helping them to find and be good, godly friends who will be a positive influence in their lives.

Dear Lord, Creator of community and fellowship,

I pray today for my children’s friendships. You designed us for connection, and I ask that You would bless my children with true, kind, and supportive friends. Guide them to companions who will encourage them in what is good, who will build them up, and who will share their joys and sorrows.

Please protect them from friendships that could lead them astray or cause them harm. Give them discernment to recognize a true friend and wisdom to navigate the complexities of relationships. Teach them how to be good friends themselves – loyal, empathetic, forgiving, and kind.

May their friendships be a source of joy, laughter, and mutual growth. Help them to resolve conflicts with grace and to stand up for what is right, even within their peer groups. May they learn the value of give-and-take, and the importance of treating others as they would want to be treated.

Thank You for the gift of friendship in their lives.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Every parent wonders about their child’s future, hoping for a life filled with purpose and happiness. This prayer surrenders those hopes and dreams to God, asking Him to guide our children according to His perfect plan and to equip them for the unique path He has for them.

Almighty God, who knows the end from the beginning,

I place my children’s future into Your loving and sovereign hands. You have a plan for each of them, a purpose designed before they were even born. I pray that You would guide them each step of the way, revealing Your path for them in Your perfect timing.

Help them to discover the unique gifts and talents You have given them, and to develop them for Your glory. Instill in them a desire to seek Your will for their lives above all else. Give them courage to follow where You lead, even if it’s different from their own plans or the world’s expectations.

Prepare them for the work You have for them to do. Open doors of opportunity that align with Your purposes, and close doors that would lead them away from You. May their lives be a testament to Your goodness and faithfulness, bringing light and hope to the world around them.

Thank You for the hopeful future You promise to those who love You.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

More than anything, we want our children to develop a deep, personal, and enduring faith in God. This prayer asks for the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts, drawing them closer to Jesus, strengthening their belief, and making their faith a vibrant, guiding force throughout their lives.

Lord Jesus, Author and Perfecter of our faith,

I earnestly pray for the faith of my children. May it take deep root in their hearts and grow strong day by day. Draw them close to You, Lord. Reveal Yourself to them in personal and meaningful ways so that they come to know You not just as a historical figure, but as their living Savior and Friend.

Help them to understand the depth of Your love for them, as shown on the cross. Cultivate in them a hunger for Your Word and a desire to communicate with You through prayer. May they learn to trust You in all circumstances, to find their hope in Your promises, and to experience the joy of walking in fellowship with You.

Protect their faith from doubt and cynicism. When questions arise, lead them to answers that solidify their trust in You. Surround them with believers who will encourage and mentor them in their spiritual journey. May their lives be a shining testament to Your transforming power.

Thank You for the gift of faith and for Your promise to be with them always.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A heart filled with gratitude can transform a child’s outlook on life, helping them to see the good around them and to be content. This prayer asks God to develop a spirit of thankfulness in our children, enabling them to appreciate His many gifts and to express their gratitude in word and deed.

Generous Father, Giver of all good gifts,

I pray that You would cultivate a heart of gratitude within my children. Help them to recognize and appreciate the countless blessings You pour into their lives each day – the gift of life itself, family, friends, health, food, shelter, and the beauty of Your creation.

Guard them against a spirit of entitlement or complaint. Instead, fill them with a deep sense of thankfulness for both the big and small things. Teach them to look for Your goodness in every situation, even in challenging times. May they learn to express their gratitude to You through prayer and worship, and to others through kindness and appreciation.

Let their thankfulness overflow into generosity, inspiring them to share what they have with others. May a grateful heart be a defining characteristic of their lives, bringing joy to them and glory to You.

Thank You for Your unending generosity and love.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Life inevitably brings challenges, big and small. This prayer is for our children to face these hurdles not with fear, but with courage rooted in God’s presence and strength. It’s a prayer for resilience, perseverance, and the bravery to do what’s right, even when it’s hard.

Lord of Hosts, our Mighty Fortress,

I lift up my children to You, asking for a spirit of courage to fill them when they face challenges, fears, or opposition. Life will present them with obstacles, and I pray they will not shrink back in timidity, but stand firm in the strength that You provide.

When they are afraid, remind them that You are with them. When they feel weak, empower them with Your might. Give them the courage to try new things, to step out of their comfort zones, and to persevere when tasks are difficult. Grant them moral courage to stand up for what is right, even if they stand alone or face ridicule.

Help them to see challenges not as insurmountable barriers, but as opportunities to grow stronger and to trust You more deeply. May they learn that true courage is not the absence of fear, but acting rightly in spite of it, knowing that You are their helper and defender.

Thank You for being their source of unwavering strength and courage.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

In a world that can often be harsh, a spirit of kindness and compassion is a beautiful reflection of God’s own heart. This prayer asks God to cultivate these qualities in our children, enabling them to treat others with love, empathy, and understanding, especially those who are hurting or in need.

Loving Father, whose compassion is new every morning,

I pray that You would instill in my children a deep and abiding spirit of kindness and compassion. Soften their hearts, Lord, and help them to see others through Your eyes – with love, patience, and understanding. Teach them to be gentle in their words and actions.

May they be quick to notice the needs of those around them and be moved to help. Give them empathy for the hurting, the lonely, and the marginalized. Help them to be inclusive, to reach out to those who are different, and to stand against bullying or cruelty in any form.

Let kindness be a natural outflow of their character, reflecting Your love to their friends, family, and even strangers. May they understand the power of a kind word, a helping hand, or a listening ear. Shape them into people who make the world a better, more compassionate place because of Your love working through them.

Thank You for Your ultimate example of love and compassion in Jesus.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The ability to both seek forgiveness when we err and extend forgiveness when we are wronged is vital for healthy relationships and spiritual well-being. This prayer asks God to teach our children the importance of forgiveness, molding their hearts to be quick to forgive others, just as He has forgiven us.

Merciful God, who is rich in forgiveness,

I pray today for my children to develop hearts that are quick to forgive and humble enough to seek forgiveness. Lord, teach them the profound freedom that comes from releasing bitterness and resentment. Help them to understand the depth of Your forgiveness towards us, and may that understanding motivate them to forgive others freely.

When they are wronged by others, give them the grace to let go of anger and the desire for revenge. Help them to extend compassion even to those who have hurt them. When they themselves make mistakes or hurt others, give them the humility to recognize their fault, to sincerely apologize, and to seek reconciliation.

Protect their hearts from becoming hard or cynical. May they always be ready to offer the gift of forgiveness, reflecting Your merciful nature. Help them to live in the peace that comes from a clear conscience and relationships restored through forgiveness.

Thank You for the ultimate act of forgiveness shown through Jesus Christ.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

In a world filled with influences that can tarnish the heart and mind, praying for our children’s purity is essential. This prayer asks God to guard their inner world, to help them desire what is good and true, and to cultivate thoughts and intentions that honor Him.

Holy Father, You desire truth in the innermost being,

I come before You asking for the precious gift of purity of heart and mind for my children. In a world that often promotes what is unwholesome, I pray that You would guard their thoughts, their eyes, and their ears. Help them to desire what is pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy.

Create in them clean hearts, O God, and renew right spirits within them. Instill in them a love for Your truth and a desire to live lives that are holy and pleasing to You. Give them discernment to recognize and turn away from influences that would corrupt their minds or lead their hearts astray from You.

May they learn to bring every thought captive to Christ. Strengthen them to resist temptation and to choose paths of righteousness and integrity. May their deepest desires and motivations be aligned with Your will, so their lives shine brightly for You.

Thank You for Your promise to bless the pure in heart.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

More than just fleeting happiness, we long for our children to experience the deep, abiding joy and peace that come from knowing God. This prayer asks for His presence to fill their lives, providing a steadfast sense of contentment and tranquility, regardless of their circumstances.

God of all comfort and joy,

I pray for my children to be filled with Your supernatural joy and Your perfect peace. In a world that can be stressful and uncertain, may they find their ultimate gladness and serenity in You. Let Your joy be their strength, bubbling up from within, a joy that is not dependent on circumstances but rooted in Your unchanging love.

Grant them Your peace, Lord, the peace that surpasses all understanding, to guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. When they are anxious, worried, or afraid, calm their spirits with the assurance of Your presence and Your sovereignty. Help them to cast all their cares upon You, knowing that You care for them.

May their lives be characterized by a deep sense of contentment and well-being that comes from walking closely with You. Let them radiate Your joy and peace to those around them, being a beacon of hope and tranquility.

Thank You for being the source of all true joy and lasting peace.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.