With a new school year beginning, now is the perfect time to say a prayer over our children. Here are some scripture verses to pray with your kids as they go back to (home)school.
This fall, many children are returning to schools they haven’t been to in six months. Some are starting college in a city far from home. And some are still home, whether homeschooled or doing distance learning.
Every year when our kids start school, I say prayers over them. This started when they were small and I was leaving them to the care of a new school or teacher. When it was hard for me to let them go into the unknown, even as I knew I had to.
The prayers were as much for their protection and wisdom as they were for my peace and relief from anxiety. Now that most of my children are homeschooled, I pray less for their protection and more for their strength and learning… and my patience. 🙂
There is power in prayer, and as we entrust the care of our little ones to new teachers and institutions, we should lift up prayers and scripture that will strengthen us all. Prayers for our kids, our teachers, and our administrators. Prayers for our safety and health. And prayers for our own wisdom as we navigate the new normal of this school year.
Here are 16 verses that will speak to our souls, can be prayed over our children, and can be written on our hearts through the ups and downs of a new school year.
16 Verses to Pray with Your Kids as They go Back to School
John 14:26 – “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
Lord, we know that our children are not going to school alone, but are carrying the Holy Spirit in their hearts, guided by your wisdom and teachings.
Deuteronomy 31:6 – “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.”
Lord, please give our children hearts of courage so that they can confront any challenge or fear with strength and determination from you.
Proverbs 22:6 -“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Lord, let us be good teachers to our children, raising them in faith and creating in them the foundation they will need for the rest of their lives.
Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Lord, help us have the brave heart of Joshua, who led your people to the Promised Land. May our children step forth with the same knowledge of God’s presence by their side.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Lord, give us the ability to put aside our own plans and instead to submit ourselves and our children to yours, knowing they are true and right.
Proverbs 15:5 – “A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”
Lord, give our children respectful hearts that listen to parents and teachers, and give the adults in their lives the knowledge to discipline with wisdom.
Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Lord, do not allow fear to hold us hostage, but instead help up hand over our anxieties to you, freeing our children and ourselves to practice thanksgiving and experience peace in these uncertain times.
1 Peter 5:6 – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
Lord, in a world obsessed with self-promotion, give our children humble hearts that wait patiently for your glory.
Zephaniah 3:17 – “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Lord, we have no greater advocate and savior than you. Let our children feel both your endless love and acceptance, as well as your fierce protection, in their new surroundings.
Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Lord, may our children never feel overwhelmed and lost. May they always know that you are there, ready to help them carry any load the world has placed on their shoulders, ready to give them rest.
Luke 6:31 – “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Lord, help our children to always have empathy for those around them. May they never do to another what they would not want done to them.
Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Lord, give our children compassionate and patient hearts. May they be humble and gentle, and above all kind, as they see old friends and make new ones this year.
1 Samuel 16:7 – “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Lord, may our children have the same insight into people, seeing what makes them special on the inside and not being swayed by looks and the superficial.
Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Lord, help us to work hard, both in our learning and our teaching. Let us not become weary and frustrated, but instead embrace challenges and lean into your strength.
Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Lord, may our children hold these fruits close to their hearts, letting them guide their behaviors in school and out.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Lord, help our children remember your scripture truths, giving them the right words at the right time as they maneuver through new situations with new people. May their faith and your Word be their guiding force.
I hope these verses and prayers bring peace to your family as we all get ready to go back to school. With God’s truth in our hearts and His presence by our side, we are truly prepared for a new school year.
Have a blessed Monday!
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