One of our pastors, Pastor Dave Parrish, wrote this lovely prayer that any grandparent may want to pray when they think about their grandchild starting university or college, trade schools, or beginning their first job:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:1-13)

We come to You in prayer, God of heaven and earth and all of the created order. We know that You have created us to live for the praise of Your glory. We pray that we will be seekers after Your heart, that we will know Your plans for us, and that we will always put Your ways before our own.

As we gather to pray as grandparents, we pray that our own grandchildren and our spiritual grandchildren in this church will know Your plans for them. This time of year is full of transitions. Some children are starting school for the first time, others are entering a new school building and are separated from friends. Others have made the transition from life at home with family to life in a college setting. Still other grandchildren have finished their formal education and are making a transition into the work world.

We pray that our grandchildren will seek Your way with every step they take. We pray that our grandchildren in elementary school, middle school, and  high school will know Your great love for them, that they will discover the wonder and order of Your creation, that they will seek You at every turn, and that they will be bold to live for You.  Starting college brings exciting opportunities along with stresses and temptations. In the time that we  have had with them, we tried to teach our grandchildren to live for You, yet we know that many college students "set their faith on the shelf" and distance themselves from You.

We pray that our college students will love Your ways, will be drawn to near to You, and will learn what it means to live for You. We also pray that they will find Christian mentors and friends who can help them navigate rocky currents. We pray for grandchildren who are starting new jobs. In their careers, help them to look for ways to honor You and to keep a proper balance on their priorities and interests. We also pray for graduates who are still seeking employment. In this time of high anxiety, let them know that You have plans to bless and prosper them and that You will make all things clear in Your time and according to Your plan.

Sovereign Lord, protect our grandchildren from all harm and allow them to live out the fullness of the days You have planned for them. Amen.