Prayers of the Faithful for Grandparents: 7 Sets

Here are seven sets of prayers of the faithful for grandparents. Use them at a Mass for a grandparent’s birthday or anniversary, on the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly (July 25 in 2027), on the memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26), or on Grandparents Day. Options 1 and 2 pray for a grandmother or a grandfather by name. The others pray for grandparents in many situations: those who raise their grandchildren, those who are far from them or estranged, the widowed, the sick, the lonely, and those who hand on the faith.

How to use these prayers

Choose one set and adapt it; you may swap in an intention from another set.
Keep it short. Four to six intentions are enough; the Church asks that intentions be “sober” and “succinct” (GIRM 71).
Fill in names where you see N. or (Names).
Give the reader a printed copy and agree on the response, usually “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Put in the name in Option 1 or 2, and add one intention from another set.
Remember grandparents who have died, by name, in a final intention.
Let a grandchild read, with an adult alongside if the child is young.

Option 1: For a Grandmother by Name, Grandparents Who Give Care and Those Who Are Lonely

For the Church, that she may uphold the dignity of all human life and advocate for the care and respect of the elderly, let us pray to the Lord.
For our beloved grandmother (Name), that God may bless her and grant her peace, contentment, and joy in her twilight years, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are caregivers, that they may be given the strength, patience, and resources to nurture and support their families, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are lonely or isolated, that they may find companionship, support, and a sense of belonging within their communities, let us pray to the Lord.
For our parish family, that we may cherish the gift of grandparents and honor their wisdom, resilience, and the sacrifices they have made for their families, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 2: For a Grandfather by Name, Immigrant Grandparents and Those Far from Their Grandchildren

For the Holy Father, bishops, priests, and all ministers of the Church, that they may continue to uplift and support grandparents in their vital role as faith-bearers and pillars of family life, let us pray to the Lord.
For our beloved grandfather (Name), that God may grant him good health, peace, and the joy of witnessing the growth and success of his family, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are immigrants or refugees, that they may find a welcoming community, support, and the opportunity to share their rich cultural traditions with their grandchildren, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are separated from their grandchildren due to distance or circumstances, that they may find ways to remain connected and cherish the precious moments they share, let us pray to the Lord.
For our local community, that we may create opportunities for grandparents to volunteer, share their skills, and continue to contribute their gifts and talents, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 3: For Purpose in Later Life, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and the Widowed

For the universal Church, that she may continue to uphold the sanctity of marriage and family life, and support grandparents in their role as faith-bearers and mentors, let us pray to the Lord.
For all grandparents, that they may find purpose and fulfillment in their later years, and be a source of love, guidance, and inspiration for their grandchildren, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are raising their grandchildren, that they may be blessed with strength, resources, and the support of their communities, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who have lost their spouses, that they may find comfort in their faith, and the love and companionship of their families and friends, let us pray to the Lord.
For our local community, that we may create opportunities for intergenerational connections, where the wisdom of the elderly can be shared and valued, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 4: For Estranged Grandparents, Those in Financial Need and Veterans

For the Church, that she may continue to embrace and celebrate the gift of grandparents, recognizing their invaluable role in passing on the faith and traditions to future generations, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are estranged from their families, that through the grace of God, reconciliation and healing may be achieved, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are struggling financially, that they may receive the assistance and support they need to live with dignity and security, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are veterans or have served their communities, that their sacrifices and contributions may be honored and appreciated, let us pray to the Lord.
For our parish community, that we may create opportunities for grandparents to share their stories, wisdom, and life experiences, fostering a spirit of intergenerational understanding and respect, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 5: For Grandparents Caring for a Spouse, Those Grieving a Grandchild and Those in Hardship

For the Church, that she may continue to honor the gift of grandparents, recognizing their role as anchors of faith, wisdom, and love within families, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are caregivers for their spouses or loved ones, that they may be given the strength, patience, and resources to provide compassionate care, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are grieving the loss of a grandchild, that they may find comfort in their faith, and the loving support of their families and communities, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are facing financial hardships or challenges related to aging, that they may receive the assistance and resources they need to live with dignity and security, let us pray to the Lord.
For our parish family, that we may create opportunities for grandparents to share their stories, wisdom, and life experiences, fostering a spirit of intergenerational understanding and respect, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 6: For the Widowed, the Challenges of Age and Grandparents as Models of Faith

For the Church, that she may continue to uphold the sanctity of marriage and family life, and support grandparents in their role as faith-bearers and mentors, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are single or widowed, that they may find solace in their faith, and the love and companionship of their families and friends, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are facing challenges related to aging or illness, that they may receive the care, compassion, and support they need to live with dignity and comfort, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are role models of faith, perseverance, and resilience, that their example may inspire and guide their grandchildren and future generations, let us pray to the Lord.
For our local community, that we may create opportunities for intergenerational connections, where the wisdom of the elderly can be shared and valued, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 7: For Strength, Grandparents Who Are Ill and Those Who Have Lost Their Grandparents

For the holy Catholic Church, that she may continue to honor and cherish the wisdom and experience of the elderly and grandparents, let us pray to the Lord.
For all grandparents, that they may find strength in their faith and be blessed with good health, joy, and peace in their later years, let us pray to the Lord.
For grandparents who are ill or suffering, that God may grant them comfort, healing, and the loving care of their families, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who have lost their grandparents, that they may find solace in the fond memories they shared and the lasting impact their grandparents had on their lives, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that we may honor and respect our elders, learn from their life experiences, and care for them with love and compassion, let us pray to the Lord.

A sample introduction and closing prayer

The priest introduces and concludes the intentions (GIRM 71). These samples were written for this guide; the celebrant may use his own words.

Introduction:

Brothers and sisters, God has blessed us through the faith and love of our grandparents. With grateful hearts, let us pray for them and for the needs of all his family.

Concluding prayer:

God of every generation, you gave Saints Joachim and Anne the joy of being grandparents of your Son. Bless our grandparents with health, peace and the love of their families, and hear the prayers we make today. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

When are grandparents honored in the Church’s year?

On the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, the fourth Sunday of July (July 25, 2027), and on July 26, the memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. In the United States, National Grandparents Day is the first Sunday after Labor Day (September 12, 2027).

Are there sets for Grandparents Day itself?

Yes: see prayers of the faithful for Grandparents Day.

Is there a set for a grandparent’s funeral?

Yes: see prayers of the faithful for a grandparent’s funeral.

Related prayers

Sources

General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 69–71.