5 Honest Prayers for Overwhelmed ParentsSample

Parenting is challenging. This we know. 

May you accept the invitation to step into God’s upside-down Kingdom, the now-and-not-yet, where the first will be last and where the little children are always welcome.

We move fast; prayer helps us slow down. Our world is loud; prayer helps us get quiet. Our children are full of wonder and mystery; prayer helps us grow in compassion for all of who our children are.

We pray because we need help. We pray because we stand in awe. We pray because we are grateful.

As you pray the final breath prayer of our five days together, ask God to help you become mindful of your breath and your body.

In our overwhelming daily realities, it’s easy to become disconnected from who God has created us to be—fully human, with a connected heart, soul, mind, and body (remember Luke 10:27?). If parenting is a continual undoing, may these prayers we’ve prayed together act as a tangible invitation to let God piece us back together, breath by breath.

Whatever your circumstances, you can integrate these five simple prayers from our time together into the rhythms of your days to come.

When you begin to feel overwhelmed, pray these breath prayers at any time or in any place.

The God of all things is already there. 

For Your Reflection 

• What is one practice you could incorporate into your week to help you slow down? 
• In the chaos of parenthood, why is it important to embrace prayer? 
• What is one way your child is pointing you toward God’s love?

Keep Going

Are you tired? Worn out? Breathe in; breathe out. May the centering prayer below help you learn the unforced rhythms of grace as you care for your children.

Breath Prayer

INHALE: I will stay in Your company.

EXHALE: Help me learn to live freely and lightly.

Was this plan helpful? Find more prayers for the ordinary and extraordinary moments in your parenting journey in To Light Their Way , by Kayla Craig.

Kayla Craig is the author of To Light Their Way: A Collection of Prayers & Liturgies for Parents . In an age of distraction and overwhelm, finding the words to meaningfully pray for our children—and for our journey as parents—can feel impossible. Written with warmth and welcome, To Light Their Way gives voice to your prayers when words won’t come.