Prayer for a Troubled Child

When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom.  Job 1:5

The writer of this prayer would like to remain anonymous.

Prayer for Our Child

Dear God, You are the author of all life. Father, You created our child (name), body and soul. The Holy Spirit breathed life into (name) at the moment of conception. The Son Jesus Christ has redeemed (name). Blessed Trinity, You have given this child to us as pure gift so that we may care for him/her and ultimately lead him/her into relationship with You. 

Merciful Father, we implore You to pour Your mercy out upon (name).  Father forgive him/her for he/she knows not what he/she does. May our prayers and sacrifices, united to Christ and perfected in His image, be lifted up to You as a perfect offering on behalf of our child.  May these prayers also be laid before the Most Immaculate Heart of Mary so that she may intercede on behalf of (name). Lord, we trust that You will not deny a request of Your Mother Mary and so we entrust our child to her completely. 

We ask that you send angels in sufficient rank, number, power and authority to fight any demons off and away from (name) so that in this very moment, the Holy Spirit may come down upon him/her, interrupting his/her day, and convict his/her heart.  May the loving touch of Your Heavenly grace enable him/her to turn back to You.  

St. Michael the Archangel, lift away and hold back the veil of confusion that covers over (name) so that his/her heart may be continually softened and opened to the Truth. St Gabriel the Archangel, deliver the message of Jesus Christ to (name), so that the Good News may be proclaimed and heard by him/her this very day. St. Raphael the Archangel, bring about complete healing to the body, mind and soul of (name), so that he/she may be restored and renewed as a beloved child of God. 

Lord, as parents and guardians of (name), we consecrate him/her to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Most Chaste Heart of Joseph. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, help us to persevere in faith, hope, and love.

Most Chaste St Joseph, pray for us

Immaculate Virgin Mary, pray for us

Merciful Jesus, we trust in You

If you would like to pray with others who are struggling with children who have left the faith, check out Praying for Our Prodigals.