Prayer to guard my emotions because my kids are leaving

Dear Lord,

You know I’ve got a big couple of weeks coming up. 
My children are leaving the nest in a variety of ways. 
Whether first time, second time, or last time–it doesn’t really matter.
There is a stabbing pain when my kids move away.
Release,
pride,
gratefulness,
worry,
and then loss, 
which tries very hard to morph into panic and desperation.
(Smothering and helicopter-ing seem like options, even
though I condemn it but secretly want to do it.)

My emotions are going crazy,
so I know that my feelings and thoughts cannot be fully trusted.
I must lean into you only.
Worry makes me assume the worst.
Loss makes me feel rejected.
Panic pushes my loved ones away.
(Read a blog about losing your kids to college here.)

Control my thoughts, Lord.
Speak truth to me, and help me hear you.
Help me to focus on your love and grace to me,
not my feelings of loss or worry.
You’ve got this. You’ve got me.
You always protect, always draw near, always speak to those who seek you. 
And to those who don’t, you call to them, you woo them, you welcome them.

My children are safe in your care, regardless of their decisions.
I am safe in your care, regardless of my emotions.
You have placed destiny and calling over us,
and you will bring it to pass.

I only need to trust you and follow you.
I love you.
I entrust my children to you once again.
Every day.
Every moment.
Because you are God, and you will always do what’s right.
I will be okay.
(Read another blog about surviving this here.)

In Jesus’ name, 
Amen.

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17)

If you obey all the decrees and commands I am giving you today, all will be well with you and your children. I am giving you these instructions so you will enjoy a long life in the land the Lord your God is giving you for all time.” (Deuteronomy 4:40)

Read “A prayer for your college student” here and “A prayer for the lonely parent during the school year” here.

Hang in there! God understands how you feel.