Preparing the way for our child’s vocation

As parents we play a big part in honing the future vocation of our children. May it be married life, single blessedness, religious or priestly vocation, we take part in their choices in life.

It is in the family that our children first learn virtues of chastity, generosity, faithfulness and prayerfulness among others that are important in laying the foundation in choosing ones vocation.

Being parents, we should lead by example as good followers of God by being loving and caring to our spouses and to our children as well. Hopefully, this will give them an idea on how it is to live the married vocation.

Exposing them at an early age to religious life by participating in Sunday Eucharist with the family will give them an inkling on how to live the religious and priestly vocation. Moreover, we can let them participate in church activities like Flores de Mayo, church retreats and even encourage them to be altar servers, choir members, or lectors. These might help them decide later on.

Whatever vocation our children will choose, we should be there for them as their support group who constantly pray that they hear God’s call. As parents we can start praying for our child’s vocation as soon as we know that we are carrying them in our womb. For Psalms 139:13-16 says “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that fully well.” Indeed, the Lord from the very beginning of creation was there and has a wonderful plan for our children. It is up to us to lead and guide them to achieve what the Lord has in store for them.

To pave the way for our children’s vocation, we parents must see to it that we prepare them by spending time with them amidst the busyness in our lives. Nowadays, children are bombarded by a lot of distractions like social media and technology, it is up to us to lead and guide them to the right path. We should create a healthy environment in our homes where we continue to instill prayerfulness and spend quality time with one another.

Below is a short prayer for parents praying for their children’s vocation:

Heavenly Father, we offer unto you, our children. We pray for their vocation in life that they may be in accordance to your most holy will.

Please guide and help us parents to lead our children in answering your call. May they understand your plan for their lives. May they carry out your mission in whatever vocation they may choose. May they learn to listen to your voice and answer your call.

Whatever calling you have Lord for my children, may I ever be supportive by loving and caring for them unconditionally.

This I pray, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.