Prayers for Going Away

Prayers for Going Away

Going Away to Camp

In the beauty of your world, O God, 

you show us how great your love is. 

Be with (insert name) as s/he goes away to camp. 

Open her/his eyes to the wonder of creation and, in it, 

let her/him draw nearer to you. 

Let her/his play be joyful. 

Let her/him encounter wonder and surprise as s/he learns. 

Let her/his rest be peaceful. 

Keep (insert name) well and safe, 

in the knowledge that s/he is deeply loved 

by you and by us, 

who hold her/him dear in our hearts for ever. 

We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.


Going to College 

Gracious God, 

your Holy Spirit instructs our hearts in the ways of life. 

In going to college, your beloved (insert name), 

has set aside a time of learning and preparation for her/his life’s work. 

Through all the years ahead, make her/him hungry 

for wisdom tempered with love. 

Help her/him discern the truth in all that s/he learns, 

in the people s/he meets, 

and in the choices s/he must face each day. 

Keep her/his mind alert for the rigors of study and exams. 

Keep her/his body safe and well. 

Give her/him a heart bold to question, 

yet alive to your wonders. 

And assure her/him always of your love and ours, 

through Christ, your Wisdom made flesh. 

Amen.


For the Family Separated During Military Service 

God the fountain of all mercy, 

your love is made known to us in the love of others: 

Surround this family with the support 

and care of our community as they watch 

and wait for (insert name)’s return; 

grant them patience, hope, and quiet confidence, 

until the time of reunion; 

through Christ, we pray. Amen.





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These prayers shared from:

https://buildfaith.org/prayers-for-rites-of-passage/

Thank you, God, for birthdays.

Lord,
It's my birthday!
Some people don't like their birthdays.
They stop counting them;
they'd rather not be reminded of how old they are.
For some it's just another day.

I like my birthday.
I like the singing (even when it's out of tune!).
I like the cake, prune cake's my favorite!
I like the text messages and Facebook posts.

For me,
my birthday is a time
to look back
to hear the story of my birth one more time,
a story of wonder, laughter, and joy,
to think about the all the different things I have done
and opportunities I've had.

A day to reflect on your hard at work in my life.
Perhaps we should do that everyday.
But there are some milestone days
that seem set aside for reflection.
My birthday is one of those days.

So today,
I will reflect.
I will remember.
I will wonder at the things you
have been doing in and through my life.
And I will wonder more
about the things yet to be revealed.

Thank you, God,
for my birthday!
Amen.