Prayer for the Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

Lord, faithful God,

You who created us in Your image,

You who never leaves us alone

and who accompanies us through every season of life,

do not abandon us, take care of us,

and grant us, once again, the ability to discover ourselves and recognise that we are Your children.

Renew our hearts with your Word

and do not allow anyone to be cast aside.

May your Spirit of love fill us with Your tenderness        and teach us to say, “I will not abandon you!” to those we meet on our journey.

With the help of your beloved Son,

may we not lose the taste for fraternity

and may we not conform to the sadness of loneliness. Help us to look to the future with renewed hope,

and make the World Day for Grandparents & the Elderly,

a day without loneliness, and a day abundant with the first-fruits of Your peace. Amen.