10 Back-to-School Prayers for Kids
While summer is still in full force here, we’re already getting ready to send our kids back to school. I feel conflicted about it honestly. With only six weeks off, our summer break seems so short; on the other hand, my son is already acting like he’s dying of boredom, so he’s definitely ready to head back to the classroom.
On top of that, our second child is starting kindergarten this year, which is a whole other range of emotions for this mama. She is so excited to start, and I am excited for her, but I know how things are going to change now. She’s heading toward more independence, and a big chunk of her day will be spent away from our home.
With how scary the world is right now, there’s also added fears of sending my littles to school; but after trying (unsuccessfully) to homeschool, I know that our kids are heading where God wants them to be at this point in their lives, and all I can do is trust God. For how much I love them, I know that God loves them more, and He’s got it all figured out.
With that in mind, I’m going to focus on what I can do, which is to pray over them. With these back-to-school prayers for kids, I’m going to trust God and His plan for their lives and my life as well. I hope these are helpful for you as well as you send your kids back to school.
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Back-to-School Prayers for Kids
Join me in praying these these 10 back-to-school prayers for kids over our children as summer break ends and they head back into the classroom for a new school year.
For protection.
God, as we send our kids to school, we seek refuge in you. We rejoice in you and sing for joy because of who you are, your grace, and your abounding mercy. Please spread your protection over our kids, our educators, and their schools.
Psalm 5:11
11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.
To be a light.
Lord, as these kids attend school, we pray that they remember whose they are. I pray that as they are hit with influences from the outside world, they will shine brightly, pointing others to you, God. I pray that they are a source of light in this dark world.
Matthew 5:14
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
For courage.
God, our kids face so many challenges in today’s world. So much of it I don’t even understand – but you do. As my kids are faced with opposition to their faith and beliefs, I pray that you will give them the courage to stand up for what they believe in.
Joshua 1:9
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
For peace.
Lord, we live in a world full of hurt and sin and evil. As our kids enter into this dark world, we pray for your unexplainable peace to fill their hearts and minds. I pray that as the enemy whispers lies into their ears, you will fill them with your truth and the peace that comes from abiding in you.
John 14:27
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
To have a heart for you.
Lord, the world is so loud. We are constantly bombarded with conflicting messages of what brings true happiness. As believers, Lord, we know that the only true path to joy is the path that leads to you. As our kids enter school, I pray that they remember whose they are, and I pray that their hearts beat for you. As they grow, I pray they grow in you.
Psalm 34:4
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
For wisdom.
God, our kids go to school to gain knowledge. And as they learn and grow in school, I pray that they seek true wisdom that only comes from knowing you. I pray that the knowledge they gain continues to point them back to you.
Colossians 2:2-3
2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
To be humble.
Lord God, in a world focused on “me,” I pray my kids shift their focus onto you. I pray they walk humbly beside you and show that same respect to the teachers and leaders in their lives. I pray they are an example to others on what true humility looks like.
Micah 6:8
8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
To love.
God, I pray that our kids learn how to love because you first loved us. It’s so easy to focus on ourselves and ignore what others are going through; I pray that as my kids get to know others, they learn what it means to serve others in love. I pray that your love can be seen through them.
Matthew 22:37-39
37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
To do good.
Lord, please guide my children to do good works in this life. I pray that when they have the opportunity to serve others in love, they take it. I pray that they get joy from helping others and want to do good things for others in life.
Galatians 6:10
10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
To trust you.
God, above all else, I pray that my kids trust you. I pray they fear you and want to live their lives for you. It can be so difficult to continue this walk when things seem out of control; I pray that they will trust you through both the mountains and the valleys. I pray they work for you and trust you to guide their steps.
Proverbs 16:3
3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
I think few people would argue that we live in a crazy and scary world. And it can be so scary to send our kids off into it. We all make the best choices we can for our families, but no matter what choices we make, bad things can and do still happen. Because of this, I choose to trust God. I trust that He has good plans for those who believe in Him (Jeremiah 29:11), and I trust that He loves my kids even more than I do. So, as I send them off to school, I will continue to pray over them and trust God in the process.
Blessings Friend.
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