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Introduction
Nothing breaks a mother’s heart more than seeing her child drift away from God, get lost in the world, or fall into vices and bad company. Saint Monica wept for years over the conversion of her son Augustine (the future great Saint Augustine), and her perseverance was rewarded. This prayer is for those brave mothers who, through tears and hope, never stop fighting for their children’s souls.
“The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful” (James 5:16).
Prayer for a Wayward Child
✝️ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
*«O God of Mercy!
You who heard the tears of Saint Monica,
hear now the cry of my anguished heart.
I lift up to You my child, [say their name],
who has strayed from Your path.
Virgin Mary, Sorrowful Mother,
who suffered for Your Son Jesus,
cover my child with your protective mantle.
Lead them out of darkness,
guard them from all evil,
and bring them back to the Father’s House.
Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend them in spiritual battle.
Saint Joseph, model of fatherhood,
intercede for their conversion.
Saint Monica,
teach me to pray with your same faith and patience.
Lord, touch their heart,
break their chains,
and draw them back to You
before it is too late.
May my suffering be the seed
of their salvation.
I entrust them to You,
I surrender them to You,
I consecrate them to You.
Amen.»*
Spiritual Reflection
- You are not alone – Saint Monica prayed for 17 years for Augustine, and God granted not only his conversion but a great saint. Your prayers are powerful too.
- Offer sacrifices – Beyond praying, offer small sacrifices (fasting, giving up comforts) for your child’s conversion.
- Trust in Divine Mercy – Jesus told Saint Faustina: “The greater the sinner, the greater the right they have to My mercy.”
Practical Advice
- Write their name in the Book of Intentions at a Marian shrine (e.g., Lourdes, Fatima).
- Light a candle before an image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (advocate for difficult cases).
- Never stop showing love, even if they are distant. Hatred never converts; love does.
Conclusion
Mother, your child is not lost to God. Like the prodigal son, they can return. Keep praying this prayer with faith, especially on key days:
- Their birthday
- Their Baptism anniversary
- Feasts of the Virgin Mary
“God does not reject a heart that suffers and trusts” – Saint Pio of Pietrelcina
May the Virgin Mary strengthen you and Saint Joseph guard your family. 🌹✝️
