When a child disappears, there may be turmoil and confusion regarding how the disappearance came about. There can also be a lot of disturbance to family life due to media attention or inquiries by police and others close to the event. In such a case, a prayer for peace is appropriate. The prayer need only be a simple plea: "Dear God, please grant your peace to the parents of [name of missing child] during this difficult time."

As days, weeks and even months pass, attention to a missing child case often dwindles. Authorities may have closed the case, and friends may withdraw to give attention to their own needs and daily lives, leaving the parents of the child feeling abandoned. A brief prayer for support can help parents feel they are surrounded by love and understanding, even as people must return to everyday living concerns — for example, "Most High, surround [name of parents] with your love. Let them feel your spirit of goodness."

Parents are confronted with many choices when a child is abducted. For instance, they may need to decide whether to ask the authorities to conduct a search for the child or whether to enlist the help of neighbors. In such a time, a prayer for guidance from a higher being may be made, such as, "Dear Father, you know what choices [name of parents] are facing at this time. Grant them wisdom to make the right decisions."

The relationship between the couple can become strained as one parent may be tempted to find a place to lay the blame. This situation calls for a prayer that the marriage ties will be strengthened by more love and understanding: "Lord, let your love bring [name of parents] together. Bind their hearts together with understanding and compassion."