With the state of our world, our students and children need prayers now more than ever. Our lives have gone from somewhat predictable to completely unpredictable. Each day we turn on the news, we are faced with more challenges and unknowns. Students returning to school at college, grade school, or home all have a unique set of anxieties as they encounter a different set of guidelines. Not only are they having to focus on making the best decisions in their academic lives but making wise choices to remain physically safe as well.
In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul writes to the church from prison. He ends the book encouraging the believers to pursue strength in the Lord. Our battles are not physical but spiritual. To be strong in God we must pray for protection from head to feet with His divine armor. As our children enter new and challenging circumstances, our prayers are vital to protect them from the spiritual battles they will be facing in this new school year. In Ephesians 6:10-17, Paul tells the church to put on a different piece of spiritual armor to protect each part of the body from spiritual attack. Let us pray for our students and children as they enter this new battle.
“Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:10-17)
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Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being Jehovah Sabaoth, our protector. Just as the Apostle Paul encouraged the believers in Ephesus to pray and put on the full armor of God, I come to you now in prayer for (student) to be strengthened in You as he faces the coming school year. I pray Your divine armor covers him as he begins each day so he may have full confidence in Your sovereign, all-powerful, protection over His life. May You carry him into this school year prepared for increased stress, anxiety, and fear as he encounters new challenges and unknown circumstances. With Your divine might cover him from head to feet.
In Jesus’ name, I pray that (student’s) head be covered by the Helmet of Salvation to protect the hope of God and assurance of salvation in his life. I pray that joy be present throughout dark days that may come. When doubt begins to creep in, may he be able to rely on the hope and grace of God. When (student) has a choice before him, may the hope of salvation help him to be obedient to you and the right path before him be made clear without temptation.
“Lord, I hope for your salvation and carry out your commands.” (Psalm 119:166 CSB)
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God, I pray (student’s) chest be covered by a breastplate of righteousness. May he have protection from anything that should pierce his integrity and honor so that he may live rightly before You. May he be alert to any temptation that would threaten living his life in honor before You. As he pursues righteousness in his life may it bring him peace and a quiet confidence as he encounters the world and its snares.
“The result of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever.” (Isaiah 32:17)
May the Belt of Truth protect the core of (student’s) faith giving him a firm foundation to stand on. Help his faith strengthen his spirit as darkness and false truths attempt to take root in his life. Help him have confidence in the truth of his identity as a child of the living God. Help him stand upright in truth so he can flee any temptation or evil he may encounter, in Jesus’ name.
“Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, bearing this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his, and let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.” (2 Timothy 2:19)
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I pray that (student’s) legs and feet be secure in Your peace. Many challenges will come his way and influence him to stumble or create a spirit of fear and anxiety. May he peacefully walk in Your ways and in Your path, without fear of whatever struggles lie ahead. Help (student) to know the fullness of your peace so that his way will be made straight.
“They have not known the path of peace, and there is no justice in their ways. They have made their roads crooked; no one who walks on them will know peace.” (Isaiah 59:8)
Father God, help (student) carry his shield of faith into battle each day, ready to deflect any thought, word, or actions prepared to damage his body, mind, and spirit. Give him reassurance that the battle of this life has already been won. You are victorious and are placing the shield in his hand to also overcome the spiritual war in his life. Help (student) remember Your promises so that he may fight the good fight producing stronger faith.
“Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the good fight, having faith and a good conscience.” (1 Timothy 1:18-19)
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As the lies of the enemy and this world attempt to pierce (student’s) armor, may your Holy Word counteract each falsehood. May your scriptures be hidden in (student’s) heart so with each blow your Truth will help him be victorious in the battle. May he continue to sharpen his sword with Your word each day to prepare Him for whatever he might face.
“For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow.” (Hebrews 4:12)
I pray these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.
As the new school year begins, let us all cover our students in prayer. Thankfully, we have access to the divine armor of God, and He goes ahead of our children in battle to fight any fear, anxiety, or temptation that may come their way. Teach your student to pray and put on each piece of armor so that they can feel confident that God’s armor will protect them in the coming months.
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This article is part of our larger Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Prayer for God's Help
Prayer for Strength
Prayer for Protection
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
Originally published Monday, 06 September 2021.
