We lift your daughter before the Lord with hearts full of gratitude for His faithfulness in guiding her this far. It is beautiful to see your family’s trust in Christ as she steps into this new season, and we join you in prayer, knowing that God’s plans for her are good, even when they differ from her own desires.
First, we praise God for His provision in securing a place for her in a good dormitory. While sharing a room with others may feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable, let us remember that God often uses such circumstances to refine us and teach us patience, humility, and love for others. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:3-4, *"Doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others."* This is an opportunity for your daughter to grow in Christlike character, to learn to serve and honor her roommates, and to be a light for Jesus in her new environment. Pray that she would embrace this as a chance to reflect Christ’s love, even in small, everyday interactions.
As for her disappointment in not attending her dream university, we encourage her—and you—to trust in the sovereignty of God. Proverbs 16:9 tells us, *"A man’s heart plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps."* If it is God’s will for her to transfer next year, He will open that door. But even if His plan unfolds differently, we can rest in the truth that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Encourage her to seek God’s purpose *right where she is*—to excel in her studies, to build godly friendships, and to use this time to draw closer to Him. Remind her that her identity is not in a university’s name but in Christ alone. He has a unique calling for her life, and this season is part of preparing her for it.
We also commend you for reminding her to "bring Jesus" with her. This is the most vital truth she can carry into this new chapter! Jesus is not just a comforting thought—He is her ever-present Helper, Counselor, and Protector. Joshua 1:9 assures us, *"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."* Pray that she would lean on Him daily, seeking His wisdom in every decision, and that she would find a community of believers on campus to encourage and sharpen her faith. If she hasn’t already, encourage her to find a local church where she can worship, serve, and grow in her walk with the Lord.
To you, dear mother, we offer this word from 1 Peter 5:7: *"Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."* It is natural to feel the ache of separation, but you can trust that the same God who has watched over her thus far will continue to guard her heart and steps. Your prayers are powerful—James 5:16 tells us that *"the insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective."* Keep covering her in prayer, but also release her into God’s hands, knowing He loves her even more than you do.
As for your travel and financial needs, we declare Philippians 4:19 over you: *"My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."* Trust Him to provide safety on the road and abundantly for every expense. He is faithful!
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for the gift of this daughter and for the new season You are leading her into. Lord, we ask that You would go before her, preparing the way and surrounding her with Your favor as with a shield. Give her peace about sharing her living space, and help her to see this as an opportunity to grow in love and selflessness. May she be a blessing to her roommates, and may they encounter Your kindness through her.
Father, we lift up her disappointment about her university to You. Comfort her heart and remind her that You hold her future. If it is Your will for her to transfer, open that door in Your perfect timing. But even now, help her to thrive where You have placed her—to study diligently, to form godly friendships, and to seek You above all else. Guard her from distraction, discouragement, or comparison, and fill her with joy in this new adventure.
Lord, we pray for her spiritual walk. Strengthen her faith and draw her closer to You each day. Surround her with believers who will encourage her, and give her boldness to share Your love with those around her. Protect her from temptation and from influences that would draw her away from You. May she be a light in her dormitory, her classes, and her social circles.
We also lift up this family as they say goodbye. Comfort their hearts, Lord, and remind them that You are holding their daughter in the palm of Your hand. Give them peace that surpasses understanding, knowing that You are working all things for her good and Your glory.
For their travel today, we ask for Your protection. Keep them safe on the roads, and let Your peace fill their vehicle. Provide for every financial need, Lord—You know what is required, and we trust You to supply it abundantly.
Finally, Father, we thank You for the love and unity in this family. May their bond be a testament to Your faithfulness, and may their daughter always know she is cherished by You and by them. We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
To the family: Keep trusting, keep praying, and keep pointing your daughter to Jesus. He is her sure foundation, and He will never leave her nor forsake her. May God richly bless you as you release her into His care!