School Prayers – #85

School has begun. Routines are established once again. The lazy (-ish) days of summer are over.

Things are in full swing again.

As my kids start another year of school, I want to give the best to my kids and here is the best – 

prayer. 

So here are a few prayers and scripture you can pray as your children, grandchildren, neighbor kids, friends, nieces/nephews, kids in your church go back to school.

For spiritual growth – God, my relationship with you is not my child’s relationship with you. May you lead them to love you more fully this year by developing their personal, intimate relationship with you. Become real to them, Father. May their heart overflow with love for you.

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:8.

For fear and anxiety – Lord, you know the heart of my child. As they enter into new situations that cause fear or anxiety within them, may your Spirit envelop them in comfort, peace and courage that only comes from you.

“For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13.

For safety and protection – God, I simply ask for protection of my child’s mind, body, soul.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1.

For friendships – Father, what a gift friendship is! Lord, I ask that my children would cultivate friendships with other kids that mutually grow, sharpen and spur each other on in their faith. Give them your wisdom as they meet new classmates to discern friendships that are honoring to you.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” 1Thessalonians 5:11.

“He who walks with the wise grows wise…” Proverbs 13:20.

For learning – God, you are the one who created our minds. May my children’s minds be stretched and challenged this year in school so that they will use their knowledge to better the world around them. 

“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” Proverbs 1:5.

For putting forth their best effort – Lord, you know that my child sometimes likes to cut corners just to be finished. God, would you lead my child to recognize that in everything they do, they can do it as an act of worship.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23.

For time at home – Lord, you show us what perfect love looks like and we are fully known and loved by you. Help us as parents to show our children the same love, grace and truth that you show us. May our homes be a safe place where they are known and loved.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15.

For time in the car – God, help me to be quiet and allow my children to be willing to share about their day and their heart in the sacred space of the car. May I not hurry, but enjoy the time listening to my kids and may it be training ground for them to listen for your voice. 

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” James 1:19.

For new boyfriend/girlfriend relationships – Lord, you give the gift of relationships. May my child’s new relationship be pleasing to you. May their hearts be fully yielded to you so that they will honor you with their words, their actions, their deeds and their bodies.

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1.

Encountering conflict – God, conflict is inevitable. May my children work through conflict in a way that is kind and respectful of the other and in a way that causes growth within them.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32.

Living in the world – God, you have placed my child in this time and space for a purpose. I ask that they will live out their calling that you have designed for them here and now. May they know that they do not have to be scared at the times we live in, but that you are by their side as they share the goodness of your love with others. May they not conform to the world, but stand firm in their faith in a way that causes others to turn to you.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2.

Father, Son, Holy Spirit, you love our kids more than we ever could imagine loving them. Thank you that you have entrusted them to us. Guide us as we parent to reflect your love, kindness, mercy, grace, forgiveness and justice. You are purposeful in all you do and may we give you praise that you are victorious now and forevermore.