LONG VERSION

Intercessor:

Does one child matter to God? Does one teenager matter to God? In our very broken world, because of both systems and individual choices, one child and one teenager can be stripped of home and everything that home means. At their most vulnerable moments of learning what it means to grow up and be formed into God’s image, they receive the devastating blow of abandonment and hurt.

Let us pray for all who are involved in the process of restoring hope, home, and healing to these children.

For foster parents and caregivers: O Lord, we pray for fostering families who, by Your grace, guard tender hearts with steadfast love. Strengthen them to shelter little ones, teaching them that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. Grant them wisdom to set boundaries, offer refuge, and persevere in spiritual battles. May their hearts be guarded as they care for those entrusted to them, finding joy in Your faithfulness. Equip them with courage, grace, and rest, reflecting Christ’s love in all they do.

Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.

For children in foster care: Heavenly Father, we pray for the children in foster care. Grant them a sense of belonging, healing from past hurts, and the blessing of supportive relationships. Surround them with kindness, joy, and friendship, and grant them success in learning and growth. May they find safety and stability in their homes, confidence in their identity as Your beloved, and hope for a bright future. Restore broken bonds and fill their lives with Your love and peace.

Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.

For teens aging out of the foster care system: O Lord of compassion, we cry out for youths aging out of foster care. Shield them from homelessness, despair, and substance dependence. Heal their minds from trauma and fear, and sustain their bodies with the care they lack. Protect them from exploitation and guide them to safety and stability. Grant them hope for work, education, and a future free from past pain. For young mothers, give wisdom and support; for those tempted by crime, deliverance and a new path. Surround them with love, healing, and belonging, that they may find joy and peace in You.

Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.

For advocates and caregivers for teens aging out of foster care: Almighty God, defender of the vulnerable, we lift before You teens aging out of foster care. Stir Your people to act as advocates and caretakers, providing love, guidance, and opportunity. Bless mentors, educators, and caregivers with wisdom to teach life skills, nurture trust, and offer healing for wounds of trauma. Inspire communities and policymakers to extend resources for housing, education, and support, ensuring no youth is left without hope. Empower these young lives with agency and surround them with Your steadfast care. Strengthen us to fulfill this calling, trusting in Your faithfulness to provide.

Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.

For all who play a role in restoring broken lives: We pray for child welfare professionals, counselors, therapists, lawyers, judges, teachers, law enforcement officers, kinship caregivers, researchers, policy analysts, journalists, classmates, and all adults who can be a loving and safe presence. May You equip them with wisdom and endurance. We also pray for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), elected officials, respite care providers, foster care advocates, health care professionals, and mentors. Lord, use them to bring justice, healing, and hope to the lives of vulnerable children.

Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.

For biological parents and siblings: Merciful Father, we remember the biological parents and siblings of children in the foster care system. Bring healing where there is hurt, reconciliation where there is separation, and transformation where change is needed. Guide families toward restoration, breaking cycles of harm, and opening doors to new beginnings.

Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.

For churches and ministry leaders: Lord, raise up Your Church to be a place of welcome, support, and advocacy for these children and those who care for them. May we, as the Body of Christ, create an environment where love’s capacity is enlarged, burdens are lifted, and the hearth and home of Your kingdom are made visible in warmth, safety, and hope.

Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Intercessor:

Gracious God, we lift up all these prayers, knowing that You are the Father to the fatherless and the defender of the vulnerable. Strengthen our hands and hearts to be agents of Your love and care in the world.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.