Recite it with faith in the name of Jesus
When I think of mothers, my thoughts turn automatically to the story of a woman of the Old Testament named Jochebed. She was the mother of Moses, whom God raised up to deliver Israel from slavery under the Egyptians
Just before her son was born, Pharaoh had ordered the massacre of all male children, as Herod did in the time of Jesus. Jochebed was able to keep her son with her for three months, but then she had to rely on her faith and let him go.
And so she took a basket, daubed it with bitumen and pitch, and put Moses inside. She then entrusted the basket to the river, as if to say: “God, I have no other choice. I have done all I can to hide my son. Now I place this child in the river, and I entrust him to you.”
The child was found by the daughter of Pharaoh, who raised him as her own.
Based on the Old Testament account from the Book of Exodus 2:1-10, were Jochebed transported to the present day, I might imagine her praying for her son in this way:
Lord, what else can I do!
I have guarded my son; I have cared for him with all of my devotion.
I have done everything in my power to protect him.
Now I place him in your hands, and I believe in your protection.
In this river of life protect him, and free him from all evil.
Deliver him from the bloodthirsty man, from the stray bullet, and from the attacker.
Do not allow anything bad to happen to him.Divine Guardian, protector of all that is pure and innocent, I come before you with a fervent plea, Wrap your loving arms around my precious children, Shield them from harm, keep them safe and free.
May your light illuminate their path, Guiding them through darkness and strife, Grant them courage in times of fear, And strength to embrace this journey called life.
Guardian angels, stand by their side, Watch over them day and night, Keep them safe from dangers unseen, And lead them toward what is good and right.
Grant them wisdom to discern, Between falsehoods and truths they learn, Instill in them compassion and grace, And let love be their guiding embrace.
Protect their hearts from pain and sorrow, Let joy and peace fill their tomorrows, Grant them health in body, mind, and soul, And may your divine presence make them whole.
In your hands, O Lord, I place my trust, For you are the source of all protection and love, Bless my children with your divine care, And keep them safe now and forevermore.
Amen.
The Spiritual Battle for Our Children
Every generation of parents faces the same deep concern: how do we protect our children in a world filled with danger? In the Catholic faith, this protective instinct is channelled into one of the most powerful actions available to any parent: intercessory prayer. When we pray over our children and ask God’s protection, we are enlisting the most powerful force in the universe on their behalf.
Saint John Paul II, himself a devoted advocate for families, repeatedly called parents to “be the first teachers of your children in the ways of faith.” The spiritual protection of our children begins with our own prayer — both for them and with them.
What the Bible Says About Protecting Children
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” (Psalm 68:5) — God Himself takes the role of protector seriously. He defends the vulnerable.
“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.” (Matthew 18:5) — Jesus identified Himself personally with children. To harm a child is to harm Christ; to protect a child is to honour Him.
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10) — Every child has a Guardian Angel standing before God, interceding and protecting.
Specific Prayers of Protection for Your Children
Morning protection prayer: “Lord Jesus, I place [child’s name] under the protection of Your Most Precious Blood today. Send Your holy angels to accompany them wherever they go. Guard their hearts, their minds, and their bodies from all evil. Amen.”
When children are away from home: “Saint Michael the Archangel, defend [child’s name] in battle. Be their guardian against the wickedness and snares of the devil. Amen.”
Before they sleep: “Guardian Angel of [child’s name], I entrust my child into your care tonight. Keep them safe in their sleep and bring them to a new day in God’s grace.”
Building a Family of Prayer
The most powerful protection you can give your children is not merely praying over them — it is teaching them to pray themselves. Children who learn to pray, who experience God as real and present and caring, carry an inner protection into adulthood that no external threat can remove.
Pray with your children. Pray over them. Pray for them when they do not know you are praying. A child surrounded by prayer is a child surrounded by God’s love.
More Prayers for Spiritual Protection
- 5 Spiritual Warfare Bedtime Prayers
- Prayer to Protect Your Children
- Prayer to Move Mountains in Your Life
- Angelic Prayer for Protection
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