One of the best ways you can prepare your children this year as they go back to school is through prayer. And praying Scripture over them is one of the most powerful ways to pray.
Here are ten back to school prayers you can pray for your kids and grandkids:
1. Prayer for Peace
Lord, I pray that my kids (grandkids) will experience the peace of God this year that exceeds all understanding. I pray they will not worry about things they cannot control but that You will guard their hearts and minds and keep them trusting in You. I pray they will not only enjoy the peace of God but peace with God. I pray they will develop a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving as they look to You daily for their needs. I pray that You will give them the capacity for joy that bubbles up from Your peace.
(Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:6-7; Romans 5:1)
2. Prayer for Protection
Lord, I pray for Your emotional, physical, and spiritual protection over my kids (grandkids). Keep evil far from them, and help them to trust You as their refuge and strength. I pray You will guard their minds against harmful instruction and grant them discernment to recognize the truth. I pray You will make them strong and courageous in the presence of danger, recognizing that You have overcome and will set right all injustice and wrong one day. Help them find rest in Your shadow as they live in the spiritual shelter You provide them. Let them know that the only safe place is in Jesus and that their home on earth is only temporary.
(2 Thessalonians 3:3; Psalm 46:1; John 17:15; Psalm 91)
3. Prayer for Purity
Lord, I pray that You will create a clean heart in my kids (grandkids) and that You will constantly renew a right spirit within them, keeping their thoughts and actions pure and motivated by love. Guard them from temptation, and let them know You are always faithful to give them a way out and help them to endure. May the words of their mouths and the meditations of their hearts always please you and edify others.
(Psalm 51:10; Matthew 5:8; 1 Timothy 1:5; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Psalm 19:14)
4. Prayer for Passion
Lord, I pray that my kids (grandkids) will develop a passion for the things of God. I pray they will hunger and thirst for You and Your Word and will love You with all of their heart, soul, and mind. Give them compassionate and generous hearts to love others as much as You love them. I pray they will always work and study with excellence but that You will help them desire a servant spirit of greatness rather than a worldly lust for success. I pray they will fall in love with Jesus over and over again.
(Psalm 42:1; Matthew 22:37-39; John 13:34-35)
5. Prayer for Perspective
Lord, I pray that my kids (grandkids) will develop an eternal perspective and purpose, not an earthly one. Help them see life–and every challenge–through Your eyes, eager and unafraid to share the good news of Jesus wherever they go. I pray that they will set their minds on things above, not just what’s going on here, and that they will be rooted and grounded in Your love. I pray they will understand the extent of Your love for them–that it surpasses all the head knowledge they will acquire in school. I pray they will be filled up with You from morning to night.
(Galatians 2:20; Matthew 28:18-20; Philippians 1:21; Colossians 3:1-2; Ephesians 3:17-20)
6. Prayer for Health
Almighty God, You are the only source of true health and healing. In You, there is calm and the only real peace in the universe. Grant to each of our children this school year an awareness of your presence, and give them perfect confidence in you.
In all pain, weariness, and anxiety, help them to have faith in Your never-failing care, knowing that Your love and power surround us, trusting in Your wisdom and providence to give us health, strength, and peace when Your time is best, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
7. As the School Year Begins
Lord Jesus Christ, as a child, you increased in wisdom and stature; you listened to your teachers and asked them questions. Bless those who learn that they may grow in the knowledge of their Maker, Redeemer, Life-giver, and your glorious world.
Bless those who teach, that they may share the wisdom they have received from above, and that they may do their work with patience and love that reflect your mercy that endures forever. You yourself are the Great Teacher. Instruct all of us in your commandments: to show love by glorifying you and serving our neighbors. Disciple all of us with your holy Gospel: to be forgiven, renewed, and empowered through your life, death and resurrection.
Fill our hearts with wonder and excitement as we see your divine design in math and science, as we see your hand in history, as we learn to glorify you through art and music, as we learn to know our neighbors, their hopes, their hurts, their needs, that your love may flow through us to them.
Your holy Word also tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” By your power, help us increase in wisdom, never ceasing to learn all the days of our lives until we sit at your feet in your Kingdom, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen. - Source: © 2016 Paul C. Stratman
8. Prayer for Parents
O Lord, you who promise to guide us through the wilderness and to protect us through the storm, we ask that you would make us wise when we cannot clearly see the way forward, make us brave when we feel afraid, make us strong in the face of our weakness, and make possible what to us seems impossible, so that we might joyfully entrust ourselves and our children into your tender care in these trying and troubling times. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
9. Prayer for Teachers
O Lord, you who are the Good Teacher, I ask that you help me love my students well this day and be patient with things that don’t go according to plan. May I help my students to feel the wonder of our subject matter in a fresh way, to be humble in the face of ignorance, to be gracious with themselves in the light of mistakes that they may make, to delight in things newly discovered, and to love the truth with all their hearts and minds, so that they might be wise and compassionate citizens of this world that you so love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
10. Prayer for School Directors
O God, you who have promised wisdom to all who would ask it, we pray today for school officials that you would grant them clarity of mind, unity of spirit, the strength of will, a heart of wisdom, and the gift of your truth-bearing Spirit so that they might be enabled to make decisions that lead to the flourishing of their teachers, staff, and students and the wellbeing of the whole community. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Other Prayers for Your Kids
These are only sample prayers and hopefully easy ones to remember. They are by no means exhaustive. Find your Scripture promise or principle and pray daily for your kids or grandkids. But don’t confine your praying to the first few weeks of school. Your children and grandchildren need your prayers all year long–as long as you or they live. It’s the best protection You can give Your children or grandchildren! When we pray Scripture, God listens! And we can always know those prayers are in His will.
Additional Back to School Blessings
For Safety and Success:
“Heavenly Father, I’m so grateful for the start of this new school year. Please watch over my child and keep them safe as they go to school each day. Help them to do their best in their studies and all their activities. Bless their teachers and classmates, and guide them all to learn and grow together. Amen.”
For Courage and Confidence
“Lord, as my child begins this school year, I ask for Your courage and confidence to be with them. Help them face new challenges with bravery and overcome any fears they may have. Fill them with Your peace and remind them that You are always by their side. Amen.”
For Wisdom and Understanding
“Dear God, please grant my child wisdom and understanding as they start this school year. Help them to grasp new concepts and solve problems with a joyful heart. Let Your light guide them in their studies and interactions, and help them use their gifts to honor You. Amen.”
For Friendship
“God, I ask that You bless my child with good friends this school year. Help them to be kind and supportive to others, and to build positive, loving relationships. Teach them to see the best in everyone and be a friend who reflects Your love. May their school community be filled with joy and unity. Amen.”
*For more from Rebecca, please visit www.rebeccabarlowjordan.com. To sign up for Rebecca's new encouraging blog/newsletter, or to purchase her newest devotional books from Zondervan - Day-votions™ for Women, Day-votions™ for Mothers, and Day-votions™ for Grandmothers - please click here
This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
The Lord’s Prayer
Prayer for Peace
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Protection
Prayer for Anxiety
Prayer for Strength
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