1. For Protection
Devotional Thought
As your child steps into unfamiliar territory, remember that God’s presence goes with them even when you can’t. He is their ultimate protector.
The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121:7–8
Short Prayer
Lord,
As my child steps into this new world, I place them in Your hands.
Go before them, behind them, and beside them.
Shield them from harm, seen and unseen.
Cover them with Your favor like a shield.
Let them feel safe in Your presence always.
Amen.
2. For Wisdom and Discernment
Devotional Thought
College brings countless choices. Pray for your child to hear God’s voice and make decisions rooted in wisdom, not pressure.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:5
Short Prayer
Dearest God,
Guide my child in every decision—big and small.
Give them discernment in friendships, classes, and choices.
Let them hear Your voice over the noise of the world.
Teach them to seek You first in all things.
Amen.
3. Peace (for the Parent’s Heart)
Devotional Thought
Letting go is never easy—but God invites you to trade anxiety for peace and to trust Him deeply with your child.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6–7
Short Prayer
Father Almighty,
Calm my anxious thoughts and steady my heart.
Help me release my grip and trust Your grip more.
Give me peace as I let them embrace this next chapter knowing you are guiding every step.
Amen.
4. For Godly Friendships
Devotional Thought
The people your child surrounds themselves with can shape their future. Ask God to bring companions who raise them up and bring them joy.
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
Proverbs 13:20
Short Prayer
Lord,
Surround my child with friends who build them up, not tear them down.
Send people who reflect Your love and encourage their faith.
Help them find community, accountability, and deep connection.
Let them never feel alone but surrounded by warmth and Your community.
Amen.
5. For Spiritual Growth
Devotional Thought
Faith doesn’t have to fade in college—it can flourish. Pray that your child’s independence deepens their intimacy with God.
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:6–7
Short Prayer
Lord,
Let this season be more than academic—make it deeply spiritual.
Draw my child close to You in their independence.
Fan the flame of faith in their heart.
May college not pull them away from You, but bring them closer than ever.
Amen.
6. For Purpose and True Calling
Devotional Thought
Your child was created for more than success—they were created for a purpose. God has already written their story; trust that He will guide them toward their divine calling.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
Short Prayer
Dearest God,
You crafted my child with purpose—help them discover it.
Guide their passions, open the right doors, and close the wrong ones.
Let their life reflect Your design, not just their ambition.
Use this season to unfold the calling You’ve planted within them.
Amen.
