Prayer for a Child Leaving for College
Oct 6
2 min read
Dropping a son or daughter off at college is a milestone full of pride and a quiet ache. The home changes, and parents must learn a new way of loving from a distance. This prayer entrusts a young adult to God's care and asks for the grace to let go with trust.
The Prayer
Heavenly Father, today we entrust to You the child You first entrusted to us. We remember the baby we carried home, the little hands we held, and the years of school and play and growing up. Now our son (or daughter) sets out on a new road, and our hearts are full of both pride and ache. Go before our child as You went before Your people in the desert. Grant safety in travel and in every new place. Bless the studies ahead with diligence, clear thinking, and a love of truth. Send good friends, wise teachers, and a parish home where faith can flourish. Protect our child from every danger to body and soul, and give the strength to choose what is right when no one is watching. Help us, as parents, to let go with trust. Where we can no longer guide, let Your Holy Spirit guide. Where we can no longer protect, let Your angels keep watch. Keep the bonds of our family strong across the miles, and bring us together again in joy. St. Raphael, who led young Tobias safely on his journey and home again, accompany our child. Holy guardian angel, never leave this young heart. Mary, Seat of Wisdom, pray for our child and for us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Suggested saints: St. Raphael the Archangel, the student's guardian angel, and Mary, Seat of Wisdom. Help your student find the Catholic campus ministry or Newman Center in the first week.
See also: Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas Before Study and Prayer for Children.
About this prayer: This is an original prayer written for Daily Catholic Prayers. It is not a traditional text and is not attributed to any saint. You are welcome to pray it and share it.
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