Scripture is full of parents praying over sons. Hannah gave Samuel back to God. Zechariah sang over the baby John. And the oldest blessing in the Bible, the one Aaron’s sons spoke over Israel, is still prayed over children today: “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee.”
Historical Context
A Birthday Prayer for My Son
Lord, thank you for my son.
Thank you for every year you’ve given him, and for this one.
Bless him with health, courage and joy.
Make him strong and gentle, honest and kind.
Guide him in his choices, protect him from harm,
and keep him close to you all the days of his life.
Amen.
For a Young Boy
Jesus, bless my little boy on his birthday.
Let him laugh a lot today.
Help him grow tall and brave and good.
Amen.
For a Teenage Son
Lord, my son is growing up.
Give him good friends and wise choices.
Help him become the man you made him to be,
and keep the door between us open.
Amen.
For an Adult Son
Father, my son is a man now, with his own life.
Bless his work, his relationships and his home.
Let him know that I’m proud of him and that you love him.
Amen.
A Birthday Blessing
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On your son’s birthday morning, or over the cake.
- Written in his birthday card.
- On the anniversary of his baptism.
Scripture Connection
“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” — Psalm 127:3
A son is a gift on loan. Birthdays are a yearly reminder to say thank you to the giver.
Related prayers
For more prayers for sons, see the Short Prayer for My Son and Prayer for a Young Man. For daughters, the Birthday Prayer for Daughter.