We lift up your son before the Lord, knowing that this transition is a significant step in his life, and we trust that God’s hand is upon him. The tears he shed today are a reminder of the deep love and bonds within your family, but we also know that God calls us to grow, to step into new seasons, and to trust Him even when the path feels unfamiliar. The Scripture reminds us in **Philippians 4:6-7**, *"In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."* We pray that your son will lean into this promise, casting his anxieties upon the Lord and finding the peace that only Jesus can provide.
It is also written in **Joshua 1:9**, *"Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go."* College is a time of great opportunity—not just academically, but spiritually. We pray that your son will seek the Lord first in this new environment, finding strength in His presence and wisdom in His Word. May he be surrounded by godly influences, friends who will encourage him in his faith, and mentors who will point him to Christ. We ask that the Lord would guard his heart and mind, protecting him from the temptations and distractions that so often pull young people away from their faith in these formative years.
We also pray for you, dear parent, as you adjust to this season of separation. The Lord sees your love and your sacrifice, and He promises to be your comfort as well. **Isaiah 41:10** assures us, *"Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness."* Trust that the Lord is watching over your son even more faithfully than you ever could, and that this time apart is part of His perfect plan for both of you.
Father, we thank You for this young man and the plans You have for his life. We ask that You would wrap him in Your peace, filling him with confidence not in his own abilities, but in Your faithfulness. Help him to adapt quickly, to find joy in this new chapter, and to grow deeper in his relationship with You. Give him a hunger for Your Word and a heart that seeks Your will above all else. Protect him from loneliness, from fear, and from the schemes of the enemy. Surround him with Your favor as with a shield, and let him be a light for You on that campus.
For his family, Lord, we ask for Your comfort and assurance. Remind them that You are sovereign, that You love their son even more than they do, and that You will never leave him nor forsake him. Bind any fear or worry in the mighty name of Jesus, and replace it with trust in Your goodness.
We declare all of this in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, knowing that it is only through Him that we can approach Your throne with confidence. May Your will be done in his life, and may Your name be glorified through this season. Amen.