Powerful Back to School Prayer All Families Need This Year

The best way we can prepare our hearts, minds and our families for the upcoming school year is with God’s Word and powerful back to school prayer!

Back to School Time

In year’s past, as summer draws to a close, there is a familiar energy and excitement that fills the air for most families. Despite the fact that summertime is ending, kids begin to anticipate the beginning of a new school year!

There is something special about the transition between these two seasons. Our family has really grown to love the feelings of new beginnings!

Kids look forward to beginning a new grade…a new chapter in their young lives! With this transition usually comes the possibility of new friends, teachers, activities, and for some, a new school altogether.

I know back to school shopping in our family is a big deal! Going to get new school supplies is almost as fun as opening up your stocking on Christmas morning!

True confessions here…my kids enjoy the back to school shopping experience a whole lot more than I do!

My Mom was the Queen of shopping. The shopping gene skipped right over me though and found it’s home within my children! They love going on the hunt for the perfect new back pack and lunch box. I am not as enamored with the hunt as they are but their excitement is well worth it!

My son could care less about the new clothes; as he thinks anything without a picture on it or an elastic waist band is considered ‘fancy’!

My daughter on the other hand, just turned 12. If you have a tween/teen girl in your life, I’m sure you can only imagine what clothing shopping is like with her! That is an entirely different post for another day and one that probably requires its own set of prayers!

Can I get an “AMEN?”

What Does Back to School Look Like This Year?

Never in a million years could I have imagined a back to school period that looked and felt like this one does due to the global pandemic that we are all living in the midst of.

This pivotal time in our history has turned everything inside out, upside down and backwards. This virus has infiltrated everything; causing a complete shift in the way we live our lives.

Things that used to be familiar and routine, now seem foreign.

Things that we used to love and look forward to with excitement and anticipation are now the things we lose sleep over.

The comfort and familiarity of back to school has been snuffed out and suffocated by our new COVID reality.

Why Back to School Prayer is So Important

Normally, back to school time is buzzing with busyness!

But this year, that busyness has been replaced with complexity, dread, fear, anxiety, uncertainty and far too many unknowns.

There are more questions than there are answers.

If I think on it too long, my head seriously begins to pound and the knots in my stomach tighten.

The questions are swirling around like a swarm of angry bees injecting themselves into every conversation and attempting to hijack our peace.

Will we even be able to go back to school this year?

If we do go back, when will we start?

Is it better to stay virtual for a season or entertain a hybrid face to face experience?

Will it be physically safe to return to the traditional classroom?

What are the ramifications on the kid’s mental and social health if we choose to go virtual?

Masks? No masks?

Is social distancing really going to be possible in a classroom setting?

What will we do about work? Childcare?

What will all of this mean for our kids?

What will be the long term effects of these decisions be for our kids, our schools, our workplaces & our families?

So. many. questions!

These are the things that are keeping me up at night and I’m sure they are for many of you as well.

There are so many emotions…our reality feels so heavy and overwhelming.

The task at hand seems daunting and unreal.

None of the options feel good nor do they bring my mind peace and security.

I truly do not have the answers…not even close! I wish I did or I would be screaming them from the rooftops!

I’m seriously struggling.

But, the only thing I can say for a million percent certainty is we do have a choice in all of this. The real choice has nothing to do with where your child will go to school or if they will wear a mask.

We all have a choice on where or in whom we will put our faith and our trust!

After many gut wrenching conversations and sleepless tights, I have come to the very personal realization that my focus has been on ALL THE WRONG THINGS!

I have been misplacing my trust and putting unrealistic expectations on individuals and entities to bring me answers, peace, comfort and security.

Unfortunately, I have wasted a lot of time looking in all the wrong places for the things my heart so desperately needed and wanted. The only place that I can find true peace, comfort and eternal security is in Christ.

COVID numbers may be deceiving but Christ NEVER is!

Maybe that is where you are right now.

Are you hyperfocused on the uncertainty of our circumstances?

If so, I invite you to pivot with me and become hyperfocused on the certainty of who Christ is!

How Back to School Prayer Can Change Our Perspective

In this time when everything seems heavy and hard and nothing feels familiar or comfortable, we need more intimate communication with Christ through quiet time with Him in prayer and in His Word.

There is so much about our current reality that is out of our control.

But, time in prayer is definitely something that we CAN control.

The Lord is bigger and stronger than this virus. He is far more capable than any elected official.

Talking to God, through prayer, allows us to humble ourselves before a sovereign God who has already gone before us and prepared the way. We may not be able to see the whole picture, but He holds the entire picture in the palm of his very capable hand.

The enemy is lurking around every corner just waiting to wiggle his way into our insecurities and to find a foothold in our fear. He wants nothing more than for us to be riddled with panic, void of all peace and left questioning the goodness and faithfulness of God.

Spending more time in back to school prayer gives the power and control back to God…the ONLY ONE truly capable of making a lasting difference.

When we stand firm on God’s promises and lay our worries, cares and concerns at his feet, we are allowing him to take the lead into this upcoming school year- no matter what it is going to look like or where it takes place.

How Can We Prepare for Back to School?

Probably the most important thing we can do to prepare for the upcoming school year is to pray back to school prayers and spend time in God’s word!

We can start fervently praying big, bold prayers for our families, our friends, students, teachers, administrators and elected officials.

Whether you pray a simple, short back to school prayer or a lengthy, all encompassing petition, back to school prayer in all forms are powerful and effective!

What We Can Pray For

Back to School Prayer for Administrators

Heavenly Father, we lift up our school administrators to you today. We know they are tired and weary and in need of your refreshment. We pray that they will be strengthened by your mighty hand in mind, body and spirit. Lord, we know there are so many decisions to make and changing variables to consider. Our minds are limited by our humanness and they are being asked to do what almost feels impossible. Father, I pray they will look to you for wisdom, guidance and discernment. I pray that they will stand up for what is right and not be swayed by what is popular and only in the best interest of a few. God we ask that you will protect them and guide them through this arduous decision making process. Give them fresh eyes to see things from your perspective. Give them ears to hear your voice over the noise of others that are vying for their attention. Soften their hearts for the needs of the greater good and give them hands to receive help from you and from others. Lord give them a voice to speak truth. Help season their words with salt and make them an instrument for your peace. Father, help them lead in a way that is honoring to you and that brings you glory. We pray for each administrator to see our current circumstances through a Kingdom lens and for your plan and purpose to be accomplished in and through them.

Amen.

Back to School Prayer for Elected Officials

Heavenly Father, we ask a special blessing upon each one of our elected officials. Lord, there are so many personal agendas swirling around that it is hard to trust the decisions being made. Father, we pray for your perfect agenda to trump all others. Speak loudly and clearly to each of our elected leaders and equip them with what they need to do their jobs well, in a way that honors your call on their life. Lord help them see what is best for the greater good, even if it does not align with their own personal plan or desires. We pray that they will hear your voice above all others and they will use their power and position to truly serve the people that have been entrusted to them instead of serving themselves. We know that we are living in the midst of unprecedented times, so we are asking for your amazing grace and limitless mercy. Help our leaders do what is right in light of your Kingdom.

Amen.

Back to School Prayer for Parents and Families

Father God, if we are honest, things seem really hard and quite daunting right now. Parenting our children under “normal” circumstances is challenging enough…but parenting during a global pandemic has truly stretched us in ways that we could never have imagined.

Lord, we put our full trust in you and you alone. We ask for a daily infusion of our precious holy spirit. Overwhelm us with your presence. May you never tire of reminding us that we are not facing any of this alone. Heavenly Father, we ask for your grace, wisdom and discernment as we face decisions that we don’t feel equipped or informed enough to make. Lord, we pray that your voice will be heard above the crowd and you will help us make decisions that are best for our students, for our family and our unique circumstances. We realize Father God that none of these choices are a “one size fit all approach.” We know that some families are facing decisions that feel impossible. Lord, I ask you to strengthen our families. Be with each family today in a uniquely powerful way. Help them navigate the road ahead in a way that honors you and the Kingdom. Bring people into our lives who can speak truth and who can encourage us for the long haul. Father, this virus has not only become intrusive, but it has become divisive. As your children, Lord, unite us for Kingdom purpose and help us fight the battle ahead as ONE, not as many. It is our prayer today that we will work to build each other up instead of tear each other down. We ask for your divine protection as we make decisions now and in the coming weeks. Help us choose respect over judgement. Help us to choose love over being right every time. Father God, help us see one another with your eyes and make decisions that will build up your Kingdom, not tear it down.

Amen.

Back to School Prayer for Students

Lord Jesus we thank you for our students. We know that each one of them has been called by name and is precious in your sight. Father God, we ask for your divine protection over each one of your children as they prepare to return to school this year. Whether they return to school face to face or they attend virtually, we ask that you give them eyes to see and hearts to understand that their parents have made decisions that they feel are in their best interest.

We know that this year is going to be full of change and unpredictability. Heavenly Father, we pray that you will help them navigate these changes well. When everything around them is uncertain and constantly changing, help them seek your face and your unchanging character. Lord, help them hide your word in their hearts so that when tough times come, they will be able to cling to your promises in scripture.

Father God, no matter what school model our students participate in, help them to learn and grow in the classroom and most importantly, to prioritize their relationship with you.

Help them be shining lights for Jesus in and out of the classroom. Help them foster healthy relationships with their friends, teachers and family. Give them the holy confidence they need to stand up for what is right. Bless them with the courage they need to not go along with the crowd and to follow you and what you ask of them. Help them develop a strong, confident voice to speak truth when the lies are tempting and attractive. Infuse them with a holy boldness in their faith through all that they think, say and do.

Father, I pray that they will never forget whose they are and no matter what they face, they will remember that they do not face it alone or in their own strength.

Lord Jesus, strengthen our students for the road ahead in mind, body and in spirit. Overwhelm them with your holy presence and fully equip them to fulfill the calling that you have placed on their life as I know you are preparing each one of them for extraordinary Kingdom purpose!

Amen.

Back to School Prayer for Teachers

Father God, we thank you for our teachers. They are truly treasured gifts to our schools and to our families. Lord, we pray for each teacher today that they may willingly embrace their unique gifting and your individual call on their life. When their minds question and their hearts doubt, help them hear a powerful word of TRUTH from you. Overwhelm them with your peace that surpasses all understanding and help them feel your holy presence. Give them the blessed assurance that you have gone before them and prepared the way in advance.

We ask that you will equip them to meet new, daily challenges and encourage them for the long road ahead. Give them the patience and flexibility they need to endure during these uncertain times. Provide for their every spoken and unspoken need. Father, we know that each teacher has their own set of circumstances. We ask that you will assist them in making the best decisions they can, with the information they have, for themselves, their families, and their students. We pray for their wisdom and discernment over the coming weeks and months as they prepare to re enter the classroom, whether it be virtually or face to face. We ask that you will strengthen their spirits, refresh their weariness, comfort their fears and help them to redirect their focus to you and you alone.

Lord Jesus, we ask a special blessing upon each one of our teachers. We pray for their protection, their health, their minds, bodies and spirits. Fortify them with everything they need to do the job that you have called them to do with confidence.

Amen.

Back to School Prayer is Powerful

This pandemic may have thrown us for a loop but it has not shaken the hand of our holy Father! God is faithful and He will use this for His glory. We cannot see it now but one day we will.

Prayer is a privilege. Prayer is powerful. Prayer makes things happen!