Good Father, 

You have created our kids to be uniquely themselves, 

set them in this time and this place and in this family, 

and entrusted us to be their parents. 

Would you equip us with the patience, 

self-control, and grace we need

to love them well? 

Holy Spirit, would you breath through the conflicts, 

the frustrations, the moments of overwhelm 

when we don’t know what the next right move is. 

Give us your vision to see our children the way you do: 

help us see their stubbornness 

as the gift it will be in adulthood:

persistence, determination, 

and resolve to stand for what they believe in.

Help us see their independence 

as the confidence they will need

to navigate a world clouded with uncertainty. 

Help us see their intensity

as fuel for the passion 

they will need to be 

salt and light in a dark world. 

Forgive us, Father, when we fall short,

and strengthen us with your perspective,

your wisdom, your peace that 

transcends our understanding. 

In all things we give you thanks and praise,

Amen.