Plenty of people today can say the same. It was Grandma who took them to church, taught them the Hail Mary, or kept a rosary going for them during years they didn’t pray at all. A grandmother’s prayer is often the quietest and most persistent force in a family.
Historical Context
Pope Francis established the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in 2021, close to the feast of St Anne and St Joachim. Tradition names them as Mary’s parents, which makes them Jesus’ grandparents.
A Grandmother’s Prayer for Her Grandchildren
Lord, thank you for my grandchildren.
I love them more than I knew I could.
Watch over them where I can’t.
Keep them safe, keep them kind, and keep them close to you.
Let them know they are loved, by me and by you.
When they wander, bring them home.
St Anne, pray for them.
Amen.
For Grandchildren Far Away
Father, my grandchildren live far from me.
Let my love reach them anyway,
in phone calls, letters and prayers.
Amen.
For a New Grandbaby
Lord, a new life has come into our family.
Bless this little one and the parents.
Help me support them without taking over.
Amen.
For Passing On the Faith
Lord, I can’t make my grandchildren believe.
But let them see something of you in me,
and let my prayers follow them all their lives.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- At a grandchild’s baptism, first communion or confirmation.
- On 26 July, the feast of Sts Joachim and Anne.
- On grandchildren’s birthdays.
- Every night, for each of them by name.
Scripture Connection
“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.” — 2 Timothy 1:5
Faith “dwelt first” in Lois. Paul knew where Timothy’s faith started, and he wanted Timothy to know too. Grandmothers plant seeds they may not see grow.
Related prayers
For prayers for a grandmother, see the Grandma Prayer. For mothers, A Mother’s Prayer. For a godparent, the Godmother Prayer.