It’s essentially the most wonderful time of the yr, back to high school! My heart flutters as I scan the varsity supplies list, meet my child’s teacher, and transition to earlier bedtimes in preparation for a recent school yr. As excited as I’m to look at my children reconnect with old friends, grow their knowledge, and embark on recent adventures, I often wrestle with the “what-ifs” the brand new school yr also brings.
As concerned parents, we are able to “what-if” ourselves all day. So, might I encourage you, as I’m myself, to show to the Lord in prayer when those what-ifs creep in?
5 Prayers for the School Year
A Prayer of Protection
“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them near his heart; he gently leads those who have young.” – Isaiah 40:11
Heavenly Father, we all know you might be the Good Shephard who watches over your flock day and night. There is far to fear on this fallen world, and we ask that you just keep our youngsters protected as they go to high school this yr. May they feel your constant presence as they travel to their classrooms, walk the halls, and return home.
We pray for youngsters from broken homes who find refuge within the classroom. We pray for his or her hearts that they are going to not change into discouraged but find comfort in a friend or teacher. Help us be sensitive to their needs and, when we are able to, offer assistance as we help keep them protected each during and after school.
Help us to maintain a reign on our anxious thoughts as we read the headlines and listen to stories of pure evil. We know You are sovereign; evil won’t prevail; You are the righteous Judge. We ask that we keep a healthy perspective, being cautious but not crippled by our concerns for our youngsters. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
A Prayer to Make Good Decisions
“Blessed is the one who doesn’t walk consistent with the wicked or stand in the way in which that sinners take or sit in the corporate of mockers, but whose delight is within the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is sort of a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf doesn’t wither—whatever they do prospers.” – Psalms 1:1-3
Heavenly Father, we ask that you just give our youngsters biblical discernment as they begin this school yr. Help them remember the words spoken over them, the Bible stories they’ve learned, and the conversations with godly influences as they make decisions throughout their day. There are many distractions; we ask that you just keep their thoughts and hearts set on You.
Lord, we worry our youngsters will fall victim to look pressure or, in our absence, make a flawed decision. Help us to release that fear to You. Help our youngsters lean into the ability of the Holy Spirit to guide their days; help them to face firm of their faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Prayer for Friendships
“If either of them falls down, one might help the opposite up. But pity anyone who falls and has nobody to assist them up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:10
Heavenly Father, we’re grateful for the gift of friendships. We know you made us for connection, but sometimes making recent friends and maintaining those friendships could be difficult. We ask that You guide our youngsters as they learn to navigate relationships with people from different backgrounds who might imagine and act in another way.
Lord, we all know that, greater than likely, this school yr will bring hurt feelings. Some at our child’s hand, and a few due to others’ actions. We ask that they learn to forgive quickly, offering grace and mercy to their offenders. If they’re those who offended, please convict their hearts, moving them to hunt forgiveness and reconciliation with their peers.
While we benefit from the gift of earthly friendships, the best relationship we are able to have is with you, as Lord and Savior. We pray for any child that does not have a private relationship with You. Help our youngsters share their faith, giving them the courage to ask their friends to church, pray during school, and tell others about Jesus. We long to be lights on this dark world; grant us strength to be daring for the Gospel! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Prayer for the Teachers
“Let us not change into weary in doing good, for at the right time we’ll reap a harvest if we don’t quit.” – Galatians 6:9
Heavenly Father, thanks for individuals who give their lives to show our youngsters. We are grateful for his or her love and devotion to helping our youngsters grow academically, socially, and potentially spiritually. You understand the high demands of teaching, and we call on the Holy Spirit to supply our educators with passion, perseverance, and patience.
There are persistently when teachers feel discouraged and overwhelmed by the constant demands of the classroom; please be with them. Let teachers know they’re impacting our youngsters’s futures and provides them strength and courage as they begin every day. As parents, please help us to assume one of the best and provides teachers grace.
A Prayer for the Administration
“I urge, to start with, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is sweet, and pleases God our Savior,” – 1 Timothy 2:1-3
Heavenly Father, we pray over our nation’s education system, local districts, and community schools. We know that You are ultimately on top of things, but we ask that You guide and direct those in authority in order that they are going to align their decisions for our youngsters with biblical truths and Your will.
We pray for our nation, the president, our federal and native lawmakers, and faculty administration, from the superintendent to the office manager. We ask that you just grant us discernment, and may we disagree with the administration, we prayerfully consider address our concerns. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Inside Creative House
