Families often come to prayer carrying a mix of things: love, exhaustion, worry about the future, frustration with schools and waiting lists, and sometimes guilt for feeling any of it. All of that can be brought to God. So can the joy, which is real and often overlooked.
Historical Context
Many autistic adults ask that people pray with them and for what they need, like understanding, friendship and support, rather than only for them to be different. These prayers try to honor that.
A Prayer for an Autistic Child
Lord, you made my child and you know them completely.
You understand the way they think, feel and see the world,
even when I don’t.
Help me learn their language, whatever it is.
Give them people who are patient and kind,
teachers who see their gifts,
and friends who accept them.
Calm them when the world is too loud.
Amen.
A Prayer for Parents and Caregivers
Father, I’m tired.
Give me patience for the hard days and rest when I can get it.
Help me fight for my child without losing my peace.
Send us good doctors, therapists and friends.
And let me never forget to delight in the child you gave me.
Amen.
A Prayer for an Autistic Person to Pray
God, you made me the way I am.
Help me when things are too much.
Help other people understand me,
and help me understand them.
Thank you that I belong to you.
Amen.
For Churches and Communities
Lord, make our church a place where autistic people and their families are welcome,
where noise and movement are forgiven,
and where everyone has a place at the table.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- After a diagnosis.
- Before IEP meetings, appointments or a new school year.
- After a meltdown, for everyone involved.
- On 2 April, World Autism Awareness Day.
Scripture Connection
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” — Psalm 139:14
Psalm 139 says God knew us before we were born and formed us with care. That applies to every mind, including minds that work very differently from most.
Related prayers
For parents, see A Mother’s Prayer and the Prayer for New Parents. For hard days, the Prayer for Better Days.