We are about to start a new school year! This year is likely to be filled with additional challenges as we all continue to deal with COVID and its impact on our world. Covering our children with prayer is one of the most important ways we can support our children when they return to school or at home when the school year starts. God abundantly provides for his children. We can shift our worries about what our children are feeling or seeing on the Lord. He is faithful to hear us and to bear our burdens.
The burdens and responsibilities of teaching and raising the next generation are heavy. Our “normality” has changed so dramatically since COVID became part of our lives. Many of us feel overwhelmed and unsure how to deal with the many new routines and extra precautions we must all take to keep our homes and communities safe. Jesus invites those of us who are tired and stressed to come closer to Him (Matthew 11: 28-30). When we feel the pressure to tackle a new, less conventional school year, remember that God is with you this crazy time of year! He has not let us down and invites us to lean more on him as the school year progresses.
Here are some verses and prayers that we can use to kickstart our prayer life as we seek the presence of God to be with us as we go through the school season.
1. A prayer for protection
Psalm 121: 7-8
“The Lord will keep you from harm – He will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your comings and goings, now and forever. “
Lord, I beg my children when they go back to school that you would protect them from all harm. Take care of their life. Watch their comings and goings. Have mercy on my children and protect them this school year. Amen.
2. A prayer for diligence
Proverbs 12:24
“The hand of the industrious will rule, while the lazy will be forced into hard labor.”
I pray that my children will be diligent about this school year. Give them the strength they need for their studies and each assignment throughout the year. Not only give them knowledge through their efforts, but also help them grow in their wisdom. Amen.
3. A prayer for kindness
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, be tender-hearted, forgive one another as God in Christ has forgiven you.”
Jesus, would you give my child, teachers, peers, and others the ability to treat others with kindness. Fill your school and classroom with tenderness. Give everyone in your community an opportunity to forgive easily. Amen.
4. A prayer for joy
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope in faith fill you with all joy and peace, so that through the power of the Holy Spirit you may become full of hope.”
Lord, I pray that you will fill my children with joy as they begin a new year of study! Help them find joy in learning and interacting with their teachers and classmates at school. May you be amazed as you learn more about this world that you have created. Throughout the year, help them get to know you better through their studies. Amen.
5. A prayer for strength
Deuteronomy 31: 6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear them and do not be afraid of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not forsake you or let you down.”
God, I ask you to help my child start a new school year strong and courageous! Take away from them any fear, anxiety, or grief that may steal their joy when they start a new school year. Remind them daily that you are with them! You will never leave them and give them the strength they need every day to go through them. Amen.
6. A prayer for friendship
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“So encourage and uplift one another as you actually do.”
Father, I ask you to bring friends into my child’s life who will build it up. Bring others with you who would encourage them to change their faith. Help them be wise in the friendships that they invest their time and energy in. Amen.
7. A prayer for balance
Spiritual 3: 1
“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under the sky.”
God help my child find balance as they start a new routine during the school year. Help them spend their time wisely. Make room in their life for schoolwork, rest, friends, fun, and the other activities they want to be involved in. Amen.
8. A prayer for wisdom
James 1: 5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, please God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Lord, I pray that my child will not only be filled with new knowledge but also gain your wisdom. Give them a heart that wants to know you and follow your paths. Work every experience you have to the best of your ability. Kindly show them your way. Protect them from the ideas in this world that would confuse us and lure us into a trap. Amen.
9. A prayer for love
Psalm 36: 7
“How priceless is your infallible love, O God! People seek refuge in the shadow of your wings.”
God, would you show my child how much you love them this year! Speak into your heart of the value you have as your precious creation. May they become secure in their identity as children of God. When they need it, cover them in the shade of your wing. Amen.
10. A prayer for fun
Proverbs 15:13
“A happy heart makes a happy face, but heartache shatters the mind.”
Jesus, I ask that my child’s school year be filled with sweet memories that they will keep for a lifetime. Make their days fun that will fill them with joy as they grow and learn. Give them a happy face that is contagious as they go through this school year. Amen.
God give our children and us the opportunity this year to expand to everyone with a special dose of grace and understanding for all of the added pressures and fears that could make navigating this year difficult. Help us speak slowly and listen quickly (James 1:19).
God’s Word says that a righteous man’s prayers are powerful and effective (James 5:16). This means that anyone who has accepted Jesus as their Savior has the opportunity to ask him in prayer. The best part is that he says that God hears us and will act on our behalf. God’s actions are not always what we expect, but we can trust that he will always be faithful with us when we call him for help.
Similar: Listen to our FREE Parents Podcast!
Parenthood in this day and age is not for the faint of heart. Mama Take Heart host Robrenna Redl is here to equip and empower you with resources and practical insight, whether you’re looking for ways to connect on purpose or have tough conversations. So do not worry. Instead, take a heart! Listen to an episode here, then go to LifeAudio.com to see all of our episodes:
Photo credit: © Getty Images / Halfpoint
Amanda Idleman is a writer who is passionate about encouraging others to live joyfully. She writes devotions for My Daily Bible Verse Devotional and Podcast, Crosswalk Couples Devotional, the Daily Devotional app, has published work with Her View from Home on the MOPS blog and is a regular contributor to Crosswalk.com. You can find out more about Amanda on her Facebook page or follow her on Instagram.