3 Prayers for a New School Year

By: Melanie Moore

Somehow, it's already back to school time. I personally love wandering around the back-to-school aisles and seeing the new pens, folders, backpacks, etc. My kids, however, are not as thrilled. In fact, if you've seen any teenagers crying in the floor of the Wal-Mart school supply aisles, there is a good chance that you've seen us. Back to school can cause many emotions for all of us -- some sadness that our summer time has gone too quickly, a sense of readiness to get back into our routine, and also a bit of apprehension about what a new school year may hold.

As I look into the beginning of a new school year, I want to face it with the knowledge that God already knows what this year holds. He already has a plan and is in complete control. This year, I want to be more intentional about praying for my children, not just at the beginning of the school year but throughout the whole year. Would you join me in praying for the children in your life?

Prayers for Wisdom

As we think about all the great knowledge that children absorb like sponges during the school year, I want to pray that God helps them to grow in the knowledge of who He is. 

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom..." ~ Proverbs 9:10

God, thank you for being the source of true wisdom. I pray that you would work in the hearts of our children, and that you would draw them close to you. As they seek after wisdom, I pray that they would seek after you with their whole heart as the true and only source of wisdom. Strengthen their minds and give them discernment to know your truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Prayers for Safety

Recent events in schools have weighed heavily on my heart, and the possible risk of violence toward my children at school has honestly caused quite a bit of anxiety for me. I know I'm not alone in this, and if we were together, we could look one another in the eyes and share an understanding of "mama hearts" that long to protect their children, but can't always be there. As we think about any possible harm, we must remind our hearts to look to God. He is always with our children, and we must trust Him to be their protection.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deut. 31:6

Father, we come to you today and ask for your protection over our children as they start school. We pray for any attack of the evil one to be thwarted and that you would place a hedge of protection around our schools. As mothers, we pray you would calm our anxious hearts and help us to place our trust in you. Thank you that you are our refuge, our strength in times of trouble. We acknowledge you as the Almighty God who is always with us and cares about every detail of our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Prayers for Others

As our children go to school, they will interact with many people -- teachers, friends, new kids, etc. My prayer is that in each interaction, our children and their teachers will model Christ. Teachers have such a hard job, and they need our prayers. At the beginning of this year, will you commit with me to pray for your children's teachers each day? Likewise, we need to be sure to pray for all of the children at the schools. Some children come from homes where God's love is not shared with them. Let's pray that they see the love of Christ modeled through our children. 

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35

Lord, I pray today for each person my child will encounter at school. First, I pray for their teachers -- please give them strength, patience, and joy as they teach our children. Please bless them richly for the work they are doing to help us raise this generation and draw each one to you. I pray also for every other student my child encounters. Please give each one a glimpse of your love and use my child as an instrument of your love. I pray they will be Your hands and feet in their interactions with others. When a new kid needs a friend - help my child to notice them and be that friend. When someone doesn't have a place to sit in the cafeteria -- open the eyes of our children to see that need and offer a seat. We thank you for the opportunity to serve you in each day, and I pray that this year would be a wonderful year of joy and friendship for each of our children. In Jesus' name, Amen.