As parents, it is almost impossible for you to avoid the tensions and anxieties of parenthood. Everyday, the thoughts of how your children are faring, what they could be passing through at the moment, the dangers they are exposed to when they are out, all these unavoidably fill your mind. Then, we have the “fear of the unknown”; fear of what could happen to them negatively. While the tenderness of your little ones can make you extra-cautious of their well being, the overzealousness of the older ones leaves you constantly worried that they may get themselves in grave trouble.
In the flurry of all these tension, you must acknowledge that there is a limit to what you can do. The only one who has the ability to watch over them is our Lord, God.
“And I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your children” (Isaiah 44:3)
He knows what state they are in presently and what might befall them. So, you should constantly offer your children up to God, placing them in His hands to keep them away from harm at all times.
This prayer to St. Benedict calls on God through his great intercession to protect a child. Bow your head and say this prayer:
Prayer to St. Benedict for the Protection of a Child
“O God, You protect those who hope in You; all strength and holiness come from You: help me to feel the effects of Your mercy, so I may be protected from every misfortune, with You as my guide.
O God, You prepared celestial and invisible graces for those who love You. Fill my heart with Your love, so I may one day reach the bliss You promised, in complete adoration for Your creation.
I believe in You, O Father Almighty, and I profess Your omnipotence and infinite goodness. You are compassionate and gentle to the children of men; David exclaimed: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me”
This is why, Lord, I turn to You in confidence through the intermediary of one of Your Greatest saints: St. Benedict, Patriarch of the monks, implore You to grant me the grace of Your powerful protection for this child: (name the child), so no evil nuisance or no terrible actions done by others may harm [his/her] body and soul.
I believe in you, O blessed St. Benedict, and in your power and mercy; you loved humans, and because of your love you came to protect them through the power of your Holy Cross, terror of demons and evildoers.
O saint Benedict, your precious gifts comfort and fortify us, your graces purify and protect us, your light enlightens our path. Blessed are you, st. Benedict, for I will never be able to return even a thousandth of the graces I ask of you for this child. I implore you to have pity on [him/her], [he/she] is defenseless against the many forms of evil in this world, which thrive thanks to the weakness of humans.
O St. Benedict, keep (name your child) under the shadow of your Holy Cross, may it always shield [him/her] and defend them.
St. Benedict, defender of the faith; defend this child.
St. Benedict, protector of the souls; protect this child.
St. Benedict, guardian of the Church of Christ; guard this child.
St. Benedict, founder of the Rule of Western monks; bless [him/her] with an intelligent mind.
O Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, You possess the same essence and the same eternity; O one true God, You inhabit an eternal and inaccessible light; Almighty Sovereign, You are the creator of the universe and govern us with all Your wisdom; O infinitely good and merciful Father, all praise and honor and glory are Yours; Open to me the door of Your Kingdom and justice.
Eternal Father, in Your infinite goodness, I implore You to grant Your Divine Protection to this child, through the intercession of your servant, St. Benedict.
St. Benedict, have mercy on us.
St. Benedict, pray for us.
St. Benedict, hear our prayers. Amen”.
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son”. John 14:13. So, offer all your anxieties up to our good Father and rest, assured that He is in control.