A Prayer for Protection for My Family Today

Father, my family is heading off in every direction this morning. School, work, errands, the ordinary scatter of a day. And I cannot follow each of them to keep them safe the way my heart wants to.

I confess I carry a low ache of worry for them that I rarely set down. I picture the things that could go wrong and try to brace for all of it at once, as though my fear could stand between them and harm.

So I gather their names and lift them to You, the One who loves them even more than I do. You are with each of them in places I cannot be.

Watch over my spouse, my children, the ones under this roof and the ones far from it. Guard their bodies, their friendships, their faith. Bring them home tonight, and let our table be full again.

Your word promises that You are a shield around those who take refuge in You, surrounding us on every side. Be that shield around my family today.

I cannot be everywhere, but You already are. So I hand them back to You, one by one, and trust Your care to reach where my arms cannot. Keep them, Lord. Amen.