Praying for a son-in-law is a version of the same choice. You did not raise him, but your daughter chose him, and now his life is tied to hers and to yours.
Historical Context
The Bible’s best father-in-law may be Jethro, who watched Moses wear himself out judging Israel from morning to night and told him kindly, “The thing that thou doest is not good.” Then he helped him fix it. Good in-laws help without taking over.
A Prayer for My Son-in-Law
Lord, thank you for the man my daughter married.
Bless him in his work, his health and his faith.
Make him a good husband: patient, faithful and kind.
Give him wisdom as a father, if children come.
Help me love him as my own son,
and be a help to their family, never a burden.
St Joseph, pray for him.
Amen.
For Their Marriage
Lord, protect their marriage.
Keep them talking, laughing and praying together.
Help them through the hard years that every marriage has,
and keep me out of the arguments that aren’t mine.
Amen.
For His Work
Lord, bless his work and give it success.
Let him provide without being crushed by the pressure,
and come home with something left for his family.
Amen.
When We Don’t Get Along
Lord, it isn’t easy between us.
Help me see what my daughter sees in him.
Guard my tongue, soften my judgments,
and make peace between us for her sake and yours.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On his birthday and their wedding anniversary.
- When he starts a new job or loses one.
- When they become parents.
- When there’s tension in the family.
Scripture Connection
“Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go.” — Ruth 1:16
These words were said by a daughter-in-law to her mother-in-law, not between spouses, though they are often read at weddings. They are a picture of what family by marriage can become: chosen loyalty.
Related prayers
For the other side of the family, see the Prayer for Mother-in-Law. For their wedding, the Mother of the Bride Prayer, and for your daughter herself, the Birthday Prayer for Daughter.