MOVEMENT OF PRAYER OF GRANDPARENTS FOR THEIR GRANDCHILDREN.

Introduction. I often come across grandparents who are seriously concerned about their grandchildren, young and also older. Of course the generation gap is bigger between them and they find it hard to understand one another.  Older people often have more time and a greater desire for a deeper prayer life. They also sometimes feel helpless and that they are no longer useful in life. This movement is therefore designed to help them to recognize the important contribution they can still make in the lives of their families no matter how far away. 
There is no formal structure but it is helpful to be part of a group that can share with one another and offer mutual support. How often, where and when to pray can be decided or left open.   
Specific scripture passages can also be used or the readings for the day can be applied. I believe that the valuable part of this movement is in strengthening our relationship with God and with our grandchildren through the awareness that is created and the love that can blossom. I dedicate this to my own grandchildren. 
Toni Rowland

SCRIPTURE READING, REFLECTION AND SHARING as appropriate.

THE GRANDCHILDREN. Bring to mind each of your grandchildren and reflect on their special qualities and needs.  Put up their photographs or some other special mementoes.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father
I worship you, and give you praise for the great gift of life you have given to me.
With gratitude, wonder and awe I acknowledge that it is through my life
  that you granted life to my children.
They are mine, ours and yours. 
They in turn have become the parents of our grandchildren, 
and some of us are already blessed with greatgrandchildren
in your wonderful chain of life.
It is for all these young ones that I thank you and I pray for them today.
Some of them are strong in faith, others strong in body,
Some are beautiful in looks, others beautiful in spirit.
Some are ugly and disfigured, some destroy their own beauty.
The world in which they live is different from the world in which we lived.
Sometimes we do not understand their world and their ways
And we need your gift of forgiveness so that we can be at peace. 
You have given them to us to love and to hold in prayer,
So I earnestly pray today that through my intercession no evil will befall them
and that the hopes and dreams we have built up over the years will be theirs too.
May your kingdom come, in their lives and in ours.

Any other formal prayers can of course be used, the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be or the Rosary can also be prayed.