Maybe, like me, you are asking yourself, “How did we get here?” Did the summer go by as fast for you as it did for me? It seems like just yesterday, I was walking two tiny tots into preschool with their fluffy flowery dresses and unicorn lunchboxes and meeting their precious teachers, only to be parted with tear-filled goodbyes. Now it has become filled with cutoff jeans, protein shakes in hand, and I’m lucky if I get a hug or peck on the cheek before they zoom off to school, leaving me standing in the driveway – painfully alone.
The truth is, it doesn’t matter if you’re a momma of a preschooler or dad of a senior. Getting back into the rhyme and rhythm of school comes with a roller coaster ride of emotions for all of us. It sure can pull at our heartstrings. Am I right?
Well, my fellow friends, as we usher in a new year, let’s lean on the precious promises God gives us in His Word and take comfort in them. The beautiful thing about this season is that while it may come with a stricter schedule after those lazy days of summer, it also reminds us that our time is precious, and we must make the most of it (Psalm 90:12). So, let’s posture our hearts in prayer as we become filled with hope this new school year, knowing that God has our families, schools, and communities in His loving care.
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Promise #1: God Is with Our Children
"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” - Deuteronomy 31:1
When we place our full trust in the Creator, it humbles us to the truth that God is with our children. He knows what is best for them and can protect them in ways we simply can’t. Did you catch that? God is covering our children when they are away at school. We just have to believe that truth and not seek total control or cave into fear. As we head into this school year, will you join me in striving to trust God with your child?
A Prayer to Trust God with Your Children
God,
I lift up my child to You and ask that You draw close to us both today. While I consider it a great honor to nurture and raise my child, I am also aware that it comes with a huge responsibility, and with that, I often find myself filled with anxiety or reaching to take control over certain situations. Lord, help me surrender my child over to You today and allow You to do what You do best – care for us. Protect and give my child strength at school, and help me trust You with their heart and life.
Amen.
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Promise #2: God will Give Us Strength
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:31
It isn’t hard to see that our schools have become a target of the enemy. The increase in hostility and the challenges schools face today have left many parents, teachers, staff, and students concerned and hyper-vigilant. While it can be natural to bend to fear, we must find strength through the power of our prayers. Let’s head into this school year with hope, knowing that while we may face spiritual battles, God is fighting for us and is our safe refuge and source of strength in a fallen world.
A Prayer for Strength
Father,
As we begin this school day, we thank you for the gift and privilege of our education system and the right to be able to grow academically. As we send our children off to school in peace, we ask that You place a barrier of protection around them, their teachers, and school. We declare that no weapon formed against our children, community, or schools will prosper. We pray we lean into the Holy Spirit for our source of strength and find comfort and hope in Your presence when we are afraid. We ask this in Your holy name.
Amen.
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Promise #3: God will Lead the Way
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6
The school year always seems to have a way of realigning our hearts, doesn’t it? I don’t know about you, but I tend to grow a bit relaxed over the lazy days of summer. With no real schedule or routine, I have sadly become complacent in my faith. Unfortunately, so have my kids. Maybe, like us, you need to reignite your faith and get back on track so to speak. Well, as our children head back to school, it creates the perfect opportunity and offers a tender time to reconnect with God and our kids. Let God lead you and your family because He always will.
A Prayer to Follow God’s Way
Lord, we are so thankful that You know every single detail of our lives and are still filled with such grace and mercy. Even when we stumble, fall away, or become stale or distant in our walk with You, the love You extend never fails or fades away. You continue to pursue our hearts and make plans for our lives that are far greater than anything we can conjure up for ourselves. Lord, please forgive us for losing sight of You, and give us the wisdom to follow Your will and way this school year. Light up the path in which You would have us go, providing events and activities that would encourage us to grow in our faith. We love you and trust Your plan. Amen.
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Promise #4: God Grants Us Wisdom and Discernment
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." - James 1:5
God has given us a practical tool and resource as parents, but we must immerse ourselves in it so that we can lead and direct our children in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6). It sounds so simple, but the world is growing louder by the day, bringing forth many tantalizing temptations and confusing messages, infiltrating our schools. It’s very easy for our children to veer off and get distracted. We must have open conversations and dialogue with our children about the perversions and misconceptions this world brings, but that our hope is found in the wisdom God displays for us in His Word.
A Prayer for Wisdom and Discernment
O God,
We are desperate for Your wisdom. Awaken us to Your Truth and give us the disciple to open Your Word, etching it in our hearts, so that we may live by it and lead and guide our children. Grant us the courage to be parents who follow Your lead and give our children the courage to stand against the evil of this world and make choices that reflect Your love. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
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Promise #5: God Equips Us with Power, Love, and Self-Discipline
"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." - 2 Timothy 1:7
Gearing back up for the school year can be exhausting! Between back-to-school shopping, sifting through school emails, trying to get organized, and filling out those endless educational forms, it’s a lot. Phew, I get it! And I am right there with you! However, the truth of the matter is that God has not given us the spirit of a coward but rather of a warrior! As faithful believers, we have been given the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. Sure, it may take a little time to get adjusted to the back-to-school hustle and bustle, but you’ve got this because you’ve got Him! So, take a deep breath, pause… and pray.
A Prayer to Be Filled with the Spirit of Love and Self-Discipline
Merciful Father,
We pray for You to be at the center of our lives this school year. Fill us with Your spirit as we carry out Your will in our homes, schools, and communities, exemplifying Your grace and compassion. Give us the discipline to carry out our daily responsibilities and work with a diligent heart. Ignite our child’s hearts to seek opportunities that help them grow in their faith and use their gifts and talents to share with others. We ask this in Your precious name.
Amen.
Well, my dear friend, as you and your dear family get ready for yet another school year, remember the precious promises that God has given you. He is with you and your child. He will provide strength. He will lead the way. He will give you wisdom, and He has equipped you (and your child) for this season! Just pause, reflect on His faithfulness, and pray.
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Originally published Tuesday, 13 August 2024.