A Prayer for Raising Teenagers and Launching Young Adults
Lord Jesus, through your death and resurrection,
You teach us that it is only in letting go can we come to the glory of new life.
Yet, as a parent, it is so hard to let go,
especially when it comes to our children growing up.
As our children develop into the people Our Father has created them to be,
we mourn the loss of what was:
the last diaper changed,
the last nursing session,
the last bottle,
the last lullaby,
the last request to be picked up and carried.
All of these things must pass away for us to see our children as You see them.
Jesus, help me not to mourn the passing of time,
but to celebrate each and every new development in my child/in our children.
Be with me as I demonstrate to my children
what it means to be a disciple of Jesus
and give me the strength to better imitate You daily, Lord Jesus.
Let every unguarded and thoughtless comment from the mouth of my teenager be an opportunity of patience for me,
allow me the fortitude to step back and let my children make mistakes,
and instill in me the grace to truly let go when the time comes.
Our Lady, Queen of Families, pray for us!
Amen.
Copyright © 2023 Karianna Frey
Karianna Frey is a Catholic wife and mother, and an educator, author and speaker, based out of Minnesota. Growing up Baptist, she developed a deep love for the Lord, which grew as she learned more about the Catholic Church and the gift of her Sacraments. She enjoys sharing about her journey into the Catholic Church, how our values help refine who we are, the power prayer can have on your life, and how each and every person is created in the image and likeness of God with a specific role in His Church. She is the author Serviam Non Serviam, The Virtuous Path, The 90-Day Morning Devotional, and The Catholic Devotional for First-Time Moms all available on Amazon. She is the editor of We are Beloved: 30 days with Thea Bowman, and a contributing author of The Ave Prayer Book for Catholic Mothers both available from Ave Maria Press. Connect with Karianna on Instagram at @kariannafrey or by visiting www.kariannafrey.com