10 Prayers for the Mom Missing Her College Student
Parenting
Audio By Carbonatix
By Alicia Searl, Crosswalk.com
Oh, sweet momma, I see you. Your heart is heavy, your mind is swirling with endless memories, and you're actually living out the adage that declares, the days are long, but the years are short. It all makes sense now. Life has changed drastically, and those long days have now blended into years that have come and gone quicker than a vapor in the wind (James 4:14). So, what now?
First, it's okay to admit that this new season is HARD, and you really miss your "baby." Sure, this is a significant milestone that you and your college kiddo have both fervently prayed for and eagerly anticipated. It also marks a natural part of growing up. Yet, the collision of newness and "firsts" meeting with the bittersweet sting of "lasts" can grip a momma's heart like no other. So, be kind to yourself and offer lots of space and grace during this time of adjustment and change.
Another thing to note is that this unexplainable sadness and sorrow is completely normal. And it won't last forever! I know it may not feel that way when you walk past that empty, quiet room, and your feet want to quickly scurry away, but your heart yearns to linger. Just know that this "momma of a college kiddo" grief takes time to process and comes with some rather complex and messy emotions. Guilt may resurface, depression can unfold, and loneliness could quickly envelop your heart, but grief isn't linear and comes in waves. That said, allow yourself a grace period to rediscover your purpose this season. Connect with other faithful moms who have college kiddos, take care of yourself (without guilt), create new routines, tap into fun hobbies, and seek wise counsel from a trusted counselor if needed.
Lastly, remember that your prayers have power! As a daughter of the Almighty King, you have the priceless gift of spending time with Him through real, honest, sincere, and thoughtful prayer. Today, I invite you to lay it all at Jesus' feet and humbly come before Him in earnest prayer, seeking hope for your heart and soul. God's got you in His loving arms, sweet momma, have courage and faith that He will sustain you in this season.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Gorica Poturak
1. A Prayer for Your Anxious Heart
Jesus, I must admit that I am a natural worrier. However, this season, with my child in college, I find that I am growing concerned about many things that are entirely out of my control. It is stroking doubt and even fear. Please forgive me for seeking control and not placing my trust in You. I humbly ask that You grant me strength to hand over the anxieties that weigh heavily on my heart and turn to You to grant peace in my day. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22
2. A Prayer for Comfort
Lord, I am in need of Your comfort. The kind of comfort that You alone can provide. I am beyond thankful that You meet me in my need, showing such compassion and mercy. Yet, as I wade into this new season that can bring many mixed emotions, and I miss my son so very much, I am desperate for Your unwavering love. Please touch my heart in ways that comfort my sorrow. I ask this in Your holy name. Amen.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
3. A Prayer to Embrace New Opportunities
Faithful Father, now that my daughter is in school away from home, I find that I am often restless and in need of something to fill my soul. I thank you for the many blessings and opportunities You have already granted me and my family. You are a good and faithful Father, and I believe that in time, You will provide opportunities to use the talents You have so graciously provided to glorify You. I just ask that as doors are opened, I continue to seek Your guidance and provision. Amen.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
4. A Prayer to Cope with Grief in a Healthy Manner
I am sad today, God. Navigating the loneliness and absence of my child when I have grown accustomed to seeing them every single day is hard. So, I sincerely ask You to heal the parts of my heart that are messy and broken. Cover me in Your loving arms and bestow compassion. Grant me the strength to face the day with courage, while holding onto the promise that Your mercies are new and give me purpose for this season. Amen.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/urbazon
5. A Prayer to Let Go
O God, I come before You in humble submission. I need Your help letting go of the past so I can embrace the promise of tomorrow. Please have mercy on me as I stumble into this season and walk this fine line of loving my college kiddo and letting her go. This is not easy for me, but I know You have my best interest at heart and hold an amazing plan for her future and mine. Amen.
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19
6. A Prayer for Peace
It's me, Lord. I place my heart in Your hands and earnestly seek Your peace. This world is riddled with danger and hostility, not shying away from our precious college kiddos. But You are the God of peace, and You call us to be quiet and still, so that we may rest calmly in Your arms. You tell us not to be troubled by the ways of this world, because You have overcome it. I am grateful that You take confusion and bring clarity. That You harness controversies and conflict and breathe resolution and restoration. You are the God that brings peace in the midst of chaos, so I ask for Your hand of peace upon my heart, home, and my son's college campus. Thank you for listening to my prayer. Amen.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/FG Trade
7. A Prayer for Fellowship and Support
God, I am so very thankful that You are my best friend. You hear the nature of my heart, meet me in the middle of any season of my life, and call me to action. And, while nobody can ever take Your place, I also acknowledge that I need other people in my life to help me grow closer to You. Being a relational God, I am thankful that You have a purpose to grow us in our faith as we commune and meet with other believers. So, I come before You and ask that You provide faithful sisters who will allow me to embrace this season with hope and allow me to encourage other mommas to do the same. Amen.
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20
8. A Prayer Against Momma Guilt
Merciful Father, please help me let go and forgive myself for the past. I have given my heart to You so many times seeking Your grace, yet find it so hard to forgive myself, playing specific scenarios over and over in my mind. Guilt has often led to shame and remorse, but I so badly want to place my sights on the good memories and moments I had with my child. While motherhood surely comes with many faults and failures, I once again hand it all over and ask that You help me extend grace upon myself so I can embrace this season with joy, looking back with fondness. I ask this in Your precious name. Amen.
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
9. A Prayer for Soulful Rest
Gracious God, I extend my heart and sincere plea for rest. I am so very tired and wish to lay that at Your feet today. Please allow me to enter this season with a new and fresh perspective. One that gives me the strength to put all the distractions aside, abide in You, and receive Your beautiful rest. Rest that will feed my weary and thirsty soul. Help me create healthy boundaries around my time and honor You with it. Thank you for being a God who models the value of spiritual rest. I love you, Lord. Amen.
The Lord replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14
10. A Prayer to Experience God's Precious Presence
Heavenly Father, Your Word says if I seek You with all my heart, I shall find You. I believe You meet me in my time of need and promise to always be with me in every season and moment. I am so very grateful for Your presence and all-consuming love that never ends. God, I pray that in this new season, You will make Your presence known in my life and the life of my college kid. Help me create space throughout my day to meet with You, making it a priority as I share my heart. Oh, abide in me, and I in You. Thank you for the sweet encounters of Your precious presence, it blesses me beyond measure. Amen.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
From one momma to another, my heart and prayers are with you. You will be okay, I promise. And I know, because you serve a God that is so very personal. He sees and knows you miss your "baby," but when you lean in and let Him love you, the sadness will slowly fade, and you will begin to embrace the beauty and joy this season holds.
