Prayers to St. Monica for Wayward Children

St. Monica is the patron saint of wives, difficult marriages, widows, mothers, disappointing or wayward children, and victims of adultery and abuse.  

Most of what is known about this devout and patient saint is from her much-loved son, St. Augustine of Hippo. In his book Confessions, he relays much detail of Monica's life.

Monica was married to a pagan man of violent temper and her son, Augustine, was in the heretical Manichaeism sect along with leading a very immoral life. This caused Monica great anguish and pain.

Through her great patience and constant prayers along with her examples of kindness, Monica was blessed with the conversion to Christianity of both her husband and son.

[[33775, 46686]]

In today's world of instant gratification, Monica is a powerful example of patience and intercessory prayer. Her many years of prayer and her unfailing trust in God's will were richly rewarded.

Below are prayers to this great saint, asking her assistance in obtaining the grace of conversion for wayward children.

3 PRAYERS TO ST. MONICA

Exemplary Mother of the Great Augustine,

you perseveringly pursued your wayward son,

not with wild threats but with prayerful cries to heaven.

Intercede for all mothers in our day

so that they may learn to draw their children to God.

Teach them how to remain close to their children,

even the prodigal sons and daughters

who have sadly gone astray.

Amen.

[[19861, 435]]

Dear St. Monica, troubled wife and mother,

Many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.

Yet you never despaired or lost faith.

With confidence, persistence and profound faith,

you prayed daily for the conversion

of your beloved husband, Patricius,

and your beloved son, Augustine.

Grant me that same fortitude, patience and trust in the Lord.

Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, for  (mention your petition here)

and grant me the grace to accept his will in all things,

through Jesus Christ, our Lord,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God forever and ever.

Amen.

Blessed Monica, mother of St. Augustine,

we give thanks to our Father in Heaven

Who looked with mercy upon your tears

over your wayward son.

His conversion and heroic sanctification

were the fruit of your prayers.

Dear St. Monica,

we now ask you to pray with us

for all those sons and daughters

that have wandered away from God,

and to add your prayers to those of all mothers

who are worried over their children.

Pray also for us that,

following your example, we may,

in the company of our children,

one day enjoy the eternal vision of our Father in Heaven.

Amen.