The following is a collection of prayers for going back to school. This season of transition comes a variety of emotions for students, parents, and teachers. Many may be feeling excitement about seeing friends again and new classrooms but also anxiety and stress over new schools and schedules. Let's pray for our students as they return to school. Praying for their safety, focus, and faith is crucial during this time.
As Christians, we believe in the power of prayer to guide and protect our youth as they navigate through their educational journey. Together, let's bring our back to school prayers before the Lord and seek His blessing on our schools, inspire purposeful learning, and help our students grow in faith and character, positively impacting their classrooms and the world around them. Join us as we pray together for our schools, students, and teachers.
Encouraging Bible verses for parents and students starting school:
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. ~ Proverbs 22:6
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. ~ 1 Timothy 4:12
"A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher." - Luke 6:40
Use these prayers to seek God's mercy and grace for our schools, students, parents, and teachers.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you have committed to your holy Church the care and nurture of your children. Enlighten with your wisdom those who teach and those who learn, that rejoicing in the knowledge of your truth, they may worship you and serve you from generation to generation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: Freely modified from A Book of Collects in Two Parts, John Wallace Suter and John Wallace Suter, Jr., Milwaukee: Morehouse Publishing, 1919.
God, there is a reason You tell us to have faith like that of a child. They are bursting with curiosity and full of love. Protect their innocence and preserve the spark in their eyes from the darkness of the world. Let them be little lights to their parents and teachers. Allow them to grow and have a fair opportunity to learn. May they be kind on the playground and quiet in the hallways. Protect our children from gossip and bullying. May they know and hear Your voice louder than all the others. Godly friends are important, and we pray that You bless our children with those friends today. May their friendships be innocent and light and filled with kindness, understanding, and compassionate consideration for one another.
We pray against distractions and constant worry. We pray 2 Thessalonians 3:16: “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” We ask for this from the Lord of Peace to give peace to all parents, teachers, and students at all times and in every way. Remind them that You are with them always.
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; wherewith the Father and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Source: © 2016 Paul C. Stratman
Lord, protect our children from negative influences that would lead them away from you. Surround them with friendships and mentor-type relationships portraying what it means to live Christ-centered lives. Allow godliness and righteousness to guide their thoughts and actions. May our children be friends who build others up and influence their peers for good. Help our children to be a light in the dark world and to be encouraged by friends who will stand with them. Amen.
God, it’s hard to let go of our kids and send them out into a world that is so unstable and so volatile. But You are bigger than all of our worries. You are bigger than our worst fears. Send Your Holy Spirit to quicken in our hearts as we seek You in Your Word and pray to You for comfort. Remind us that our children are Your children, and that You love them infinitely more than we do. You love us, and them, so much that You sent Your Son Jesus to die on the cross. In the most cruel way to die, the Savior of the World hung there for us. For all of us. My we always cling to the cross for our hope, and light the path for our children to, as well.
Lord, we want more for our students than mere survival. We pray You will make them outstanding leaders and imitators of Your character, secure in their faith. Our students deal with tests often, not just with their schoolwork, but in their spiritual lives. Help them to be bold as lions, in the sense that their faith won’t be shaken by those who attack or question it. Give them knowledge of Your Word and time to memorize and meditate often on its biblical truths. Teach them to respect others’ beliefs without compromising their own.
Like a tightrope walker, Lord, our students are trying to balance familiar Truth against a host of other unfamiliar voices that are trying to sway their beliefs and make them fall. In a world where values are decreasing, morality is fading, and persecution is increasing, help our students walk humbly, honor You daily, and remain true to their calling in Christ. Let them be ready to answer anyone asking them for the hope or confidence they possess and why they have chosen a relationship with You. Help them to let their Light shine at school and wherever they go so that others who observe their attitudes and actions will know that they are the real thing.
When our students make mistakes or feel they have become imbalanced, help them find the courage to admit, “I was wrong. Forgive me,” or “Lord, I need help.” Let them treasure their “difference” as a gentle yet bold believer, never to flaunt it or to hide it because of timidity or embarrassment. If they encounter challenges that pit their studies against their faith, remind them that You are always on their side and that You are their Wise Counselor, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You are the One who can dispel lies and deceit. Whether they face fear or danger or simply need comfort, may they always turn to You, the One Who always hears their cries, and the One who will never leave them or forsake them.
Heavenly Father, we ask that you keep our children safe as they go to and from school, walk the halls, and participate in extracurricular activities. As we wait for our children to return home, please give us peace, and calm our anxious hearts, confident that you are our Savior and Protector. In Jesus’ name, Amen. - Laura Bailey
Lord, bless our students with the kind of study habits that help them do their best. Teach them how to manage their time and energy as good stewards of all You have given them. Show them how to develop their talents, to find the path You have set before them, and to be courageous and adventurous to try new things and learn new skills. Place our students in the kind of classroom atmosphere that will both challenge them and encourage them, but still be conducive to their particular abilities. Show them the importance of learning, remembering that You are always with them, leading them as they acknowledge You daily. Eliminate the distractions in their lives that keep them from excellence. Give them persistence and the desire to follow through with each assignment. When things seem difficult, provide the help they need. Help them be excited about their studies, creative in their endeavors, and remember Who and Whose they are at all times. - Rebecca Barlow Jordan
God, would you comfort me as I worry about my child’s ability to learn. Give them a diligent heart and hands. Inspire them to desire to learn more about your big and beautiful world! May their teachers be filled with creativity and plans that engage my child. Help me to encourage and model hard work, perseverance, grace, and grit for my children. Would they see that you desire to use their unique talents to make a difference in this world. Motivate them to reach their potential in every setting, working hard to do their best in every setting. Amen. - Amanda Idleman
Heavenly Father, you know your creation intimately; you are well in-tuned with the effects of sin on our emotions. Help us be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, guard our words as we interact with others. We pray that we can easily forgive when offended and show love and mercy in all situations. In Jesus’ name, Amen. - Laura Bailey
Heavenly Father, we pray that our children will recall Your truth when they find themselves in trouble. Our heart desires that they remember that You are trustworthy and faithful. Your ways are better than any other. Help them stand firm on biblical truth, unwavering and uncompromising as they face opposition to their faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Help me to be a fine teacher, to keep peace in the classroom, peace between my students and myself, and to be kind and gentle to each and every one of my students. Help me to be merciful to my students, to balance mercy and discipline in the right measure for each student, to give genuine praise as much as possible, and to give constructive criticism in a manner that is palatable to my students. Help me to remain conscientious enough to keep my lessons always interesting, to recognize what motivates each of my students, to accept my students' limitations, and not hold them against them. Help me not to judge my students too harshly, to be fair to all, to be a good role model, but most of all, Lord help me show your love to all my students. Amen.
Dear Jesus, The world can be a scary place at times. Parents often struggle with fear and anxiety as they drive away from the school after dropping off their students. Likewise, teachers and students feel the weight of the “what-if’s” all day. So, we ask that you provide a blanket of peace and security for our parents, teachers, and students this school year. We ask for protection and safety for them all. Keep our children, their families, and the school staff safe from the various dangers of this world. At the same time, we ask that you guard their minds and hearts from unnecessary fear and worry. We also ask for good health for all involved. Please protect our students, families, teachers, and school staff from illness. Give those in charge wisdom and clarity. We ask that you give everyone calm heads and calm hearts in the face of any potential emergency and provide everything needed to navigate those situations well. In Jesus’ name, Amen. -Betsy St. Amant Haddox
Holy One, I pray that __________________ (name of your child) will be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. I pray the full armor of God over them. Lord, I know that their struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, and the powers of darkness. Lord, I realize as we get closer to Christ’s second coming, Satan’s activity will increase. I pray that they will stand strong, firmly rooted in Scripture. I pray for the belt of truth to wrap their thoughts. I pray that your righteousness will surround their heart. Holy Spirit, I ask that the gospel of peace would be with them in the journey. I pray that Your faithfulness will be a shield around them. I pray that the helmet of salvation would protect their thoughts, that they would remember who they belong to – Jesus Christ the righteous One. I pray that they would learn how to use the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, to defend themselves against all the enemy’s schemes. I praise you that You hold __________________ (name of your child) in the palm of your hand and that nothing can separate them from Your love! (Ephesians 6:10-17). - Becky Harlin
Dear God, Grant our teachers an abundance of Your wisdom. Prepare their hearts to welcome and love our loved ones, and may we make sure to show them love and respect in return. Give them grace as they help students who aren’t thriving, the courage to say what needs to be said, tools and knowledge on how and when to speak love, and strength when they feel weak. When they feel unseen, remind them that no moment goes unnoticed. They are shaping the future in one million small - yet incredibly important - ways every day. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the gift of learning they share with our children. Bless them, Lord, and may they see even just a glimpse of how their faithfulness will forever impact generations to come. Amen.
Heavenly Father, each school year brings new challenges. We are grateful you have not left us without help; thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. As our children face difficulties, we ask that they lean into your strength, calling on the Holy Spirit to fill them with confidence and courage. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Lord, I pray Your emotional, physical, and spiritual protection over my children. Keep evil far from them, and help them to trust You as their refuge and strength. I pray You will guard my children's mind from harmful instruction, and grant them discernment to recognize 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 to find rest in Your shadow, as they lives in the spiritual shelter You provide for them. Let our children know that the only safe place is in Jesus and that their home on earth is only temporary. In Jesus name, amen. - Rebecca Barlow Jordan
The first days and weeks back in the classroom after a break bring a lot of uncertainty. Kids have been on varying schedules. Things like changing sleep patterns, more screen time, and less structure can affect a student’s ability to focus and learn. As we transition back to the classroom, help me balance grace and expectations. Help us get into a healthy, consistent routine.
Lord, I give thanks to you for blessing me with an amazing son/daughter. I pray for my child to be brave in the face of challenges and obstacles. The Bible teaches we should have courage and not be afraid because you are with us wherever we go. Help my child to accept that you are with him/her and that he/she has nothing to fear. Give my child bravery and courage to follow you and to live the life you have planned for him/her.
Lord, you know the situations my child will face, and I pray that they will continue to have courage and be brave in the face of opposition or the unknown. Remind my child that you are with him/her wherever he/she may go. Thank you, Lord, for walking with my child and help him/her in all circumstances. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen! - Pamela Palmer
Praying over your child's school year is a powerful way to support them as they face new challenges and opportunities. By offering prayers, you invite God's guidance and protection into their educational journey, asking for wisdom, courage, and safety. It also helps to instill a sense of peace and confidence for both you and the student, knowing that they are surrounded by God's care and protection. Let your children know that you are praying for them and even let them hear it sometimes! What a great source of encouragement for your kids to know that their school day is being prayed over and blessed!
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