Prayer of the Immigrant Child
Loving God,
Sometimes my heart beats so fast, like it wants to hide inside me.
I hear whispers that my mom or dad might be taken away.
I see fear in their eyes when cars slow down, when the doorbell rings,
when voices call us “illegal.”
I am afraid to go to school, afraid to come home and not find my family.
Sometimes I cannot study, sometimes I cannot play,
because the shadow of losing them follows me everywhere.
And still … I see their love.
In their tired eyes, in their hard work, in the way they hold me close at night.
They have walked so many steps to bring me here, to keep me safe, to give me hope.
Hold us in Your arms, O God, the way my parents hold me.
Be our shelter when laws feel cruel.
Be our courage when fear grows strong.
You made us in Your image;
You called us by name before we were born.
Bless the people of good will who open their doors, who listen to our stories,
who stand with us when we are afraid.
Help me believe in their kindness.
Help me keep hope alive.
Dear Jesus, who said,
“Let the children come to me,”
I am coming.
Hold my hand.
Do not let me go.
Amen.
(Written by Fr. Larry Dowling, priests for Justice for Immigrants)
