But, as the days get closer to the start of the school year, my excitement can quickly turn into anxiousness. My mind begins to wonder as “what-ifs” dominate my thoughts, and the worst possible scenarios play out in my mind...
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: back to school! I’m kidding, well, a little bit.
Summer is great, and I am grateful for the opportunity for lazy, unscheduled days. It’s a treat to lounge poolside, hang out with friends, and eat ice cream multiple times a day. However, for this mom, who has three elementary-age girls, by the middle of summer, I look forward to shopping for school supplies, meeting the teacher, and a house that is a little quieter and cleaner, at least for a few hours each day.
But, as the days get closer to the start of the school year, my excitement can quickly turn into anxiousness. My mind begins to wonder as “what-ifs” dominate my thoughts, and the worst possible scenarios play out in my mind:
“What if something happens at school, and they can’t get in touch with me?”
“What if they get hungry or have an accident? Will someone take care of them?”
“Will they make new friends?”
“Will they get along with their teacher?”
The best thing we can do for our kids is to pray for them daily. Join me as we walk through 7 prayers for your elementary children:
1. Pray Your Children Will Put on the Full Armor of God
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, 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 NIV
Heavenly Father, help us to completely release our children to You. We are grateful for these precious gifts; thank you for allowing us to be their parents. You love them more than we can begin to imagine. We pray they will take refuge in You daily; You are our protector and deliverer. Help them turn to You when they experience opposition and spiritual attacks. Be with them as they stand firm on the Truth of Your Word, remembering their faith and Savior. We know there is a spiritual war that wages all around us; we pray for protection as they put on the whole armor of God.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen
2. Pray Your Children Will Overcome Fear
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Heavenly Father, you didn’t give us a spirit of fear but of power. You gifted believers the Holy Spirit, and we long for our children to feel His presence throughout the day. Please be with our children as they start this school year; new teachers, new friends, and new routines can all be scary. We ask that you provide our children with peace as they navigate friendships, different learning styles, and being away from family all day. We call on You to bring comfort and peace as they embark on another school year.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen
3. Pray for Your Child’s Safety
“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you” Psalm 5:11 NIV
Heavenly Father, the world can be a scary place. The news is filled with violent attacks against the innocent. We pray for the safety of our children and ask that they return home unharmed each day. Lord, we know evil exists because of sin, and the whole earth is groaning. We pray for those who have feelings of hate or malice, that they will come to know you as Lord and Savior. May our schools be a place of refuge and safety for our children.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen
4. Pray for Your Child’s Discernment
“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ." Philippians 1:9-10 ESV
Heavenly Father, every day our children are faced with numerous decisions. From the seemingly insignificant to life-changing choices. We acknowledge that you are sovereign over all but also giving your children free will. Help our children make choices that are pleasing to You. Guide them as they navigate tough conversations, help them to turn away from peer pressure, and choose to love, forgive, and be joyful in all circumstances. There will be times that our children will falter, but oh, how your grace abounds, your mercy renews every morning, and your love is steadfast.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
5. Pray for Your Child to Show Love and Kindness to Others
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to show us the ultimate example of love. We pray that our children show Christ’s love in their actions. As they talk with their classmates, eat lunch, and wait for the bus, may their speech be kind and gracious. Help our children quickly forgive others, encourage and support their classmates, and have a good attitude in all circumstances.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
6. Pray for Your Children’s Teachers and Administration
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Heavenly Father, we bring the school administration, teachers, and support staff before you. They are working well before the start of the school year, and we pray that they feel supported, encouraged, safe, and loved this year. We desire that they look to You for wisdom and guidance as they update the curriculum, make decisions for the school, and go about their daily work. Lord, leading a group of people is complex and can often cause emotional burnout and physical fatigue. Please give them strength, good health, a sound mind, and a calm spirit throughout the year.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
7. Pray for Your Child’s Salvation or a Deeper Relationship with Him
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 NLT
Heavenly Father, the most important decision our children can make is to choose to accept you as Lord and Savior. We cry out to you to open their hearts and minds to receiving the Gospel. Help me to be a Christ-like example in all that I say and do, making the most of every opportunity to talk to them about our faith. We pray for our children who have made a profession that you will continue to strengthen their faith, encouraging them in their daily walk.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©CDC/Unsplash
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
