Whether your child is just starting preschool, middle school, high school, or headed off to college, back to school season can be a very hectic and stressful time for moms. With new clothes and school supplies to buy, schedule adjustments and new routines to create, and more food to stock up on for lunches and snacks, there is a lot to do! And that’s all before the first day!
Homework, projects, monitoring grades and behavior, and after school sports and activities bring a whole new set of challenges into the mix once the school year actually starts. Which can leave most of us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, worried, and anxiously asking questions like:
- How do I make sure I’m giving them everything they need as a parent?
- How can I pray for my kids in school?
- How do I pray for academic success?
Thankfully, there are some key things we can pray for as moms, to not only help our kids have a successful school year, but to alleviate some of the pressure and emotional drain we put on ourselves in the process. Let’s take a look at some vital back to school prayers that will help get you off to a great start!
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The Importance of Prayer In Parenting
As a single mother of a teenage son, the most important thing I have learned in my journey, is that I absolutely cannot parent successfully without God’s help.
There is no amount or level of “great parenting” that can single handedly raise a child alone. Period!
Let’s face it, we are not with our kids 24/7. But, God is. And we MUST learn to incorporate Him into our parenting process. The easiest and best way to do this is by talking to God about everything through prayer.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6 NIV
I promise you that not only does God want to hear from us, but He wants to help us, especially when we trust Him to do so.
Back to School Prayers Every Mom Should Pray
So what exactly should we be saying to God? What back to school prayers should we be praying?
Back to School Prayer for A New School Year
First you can start by simply committing the entire new school year to God. Every worry, doubt, frustration, or obstacle that you may be encountering in regards to your child’s specific situation – present it to God.
For example:
- transportation issues – no reliable ride to school and not in close vicinity to a bus stop
- financial issues – inability to afford supplies or clothes
- scheduling conflicts – your new job schedule is not allowing you to be home before your kids are out of school
All of these are valid issues and concerns. However, none of them are issues that God can’t resolve.
I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?
Jeremiah 32:27
It’s so important to learn God’s Word in order to equip ourselves with His promises so that when we pray, we can talk to him confidently, knowing that He hears us, and that He will provide a solution. It sounds so simple, yet so many of us skip talking to God, and just dive into the headache of trying to figure it out all by ourselves.
“Lord, I commit this upcoming school year entirely into your hands. You know our needs in regards to (name your issues/concerns) . Your Word says that nothing is too hard for you, and I am trusting in you to provide accordingly. Thank you God for your goodness and your amazing grace. Amen.”
You will be surprised what God can and will do, if you simply ask. Over the years, I have witnessed His blessings of provision in so many ways.
When I had to relocate back to VA from Philadelphia to live with my parents, in the middle of my son’s kindergarten year due to an eviction, and other life altering circumstances that hit all at once, I was an emotional wreck.
Looking back now, all I can say is that it was God who opened doors and made provision so that my son only ended up missing a few of school before he was settled into a new elementary school and back on track academically.
It was not an easy transition at all. But, because I knew I was in way over my head, I gave it all to God. It’s amazing how He will provide in ways you least expect, from people you least expect.
And, I promise He can do the same for you!
Back to School Prayer for Children
Depending upon what stage your child is at, there are so many different things we can pray for them. However, there are some key things that we should pray for them, regardless of their age or grade-level:
- protection and safety – from bullying, discrimination, and violence
- healthy relationships – that they would treat others well and build a circle of positive friends
- academic success – a heart for learning, hard work, and focus
- good behavior – respect for authority, and willingness to accept correction
- identity and character – development of their own personalities, likes, dislikes, gifts, and abilities
- decision making – resistance of peer pressure, and making good and right choices
- perseverance in disappointment – knowing that setbacks are a part of life, and being able to cope in a positive manner
- dealing with change – anxiety, fear, or frustration that can come with changing schools, teachers, etc.
Let’s face it, if we really reflect back on our time in school, we know it wasn’t easy. And in today’s society there are a ton of different things that our kids have to deal with that didn’t even exist when we were their age!
From cyberbullying on the internet, to hazing on social media, as parents we have a lot more to be on the look out for in our modern society. Not to mention the social injustice permeating our country today. As a single black mother, if I’m being honest, I have cried on several occasions just thinking about the world in which my son has to grow up in today.
The devil is busy, and he doesn’t play favorites. He only looks for openings to attack. Therefore, we MUST pray for our children constantly. Every. Single. Day.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12
I can’t tell you how many times, I have been stressed or worried about my son’s performance in school. Middle school was such a drastic change from the “baby boy” I saw in elementary school. From a growth spurt, to attitude changes, to getting into his first fight, to issues with grades, to lying and talking back to me. Not only was I not ready for all these changes, but I also felt like I as failing as a mom.
It wasn’t until I decided to stop complaining, crying and stressing, and instead start praying for my son more, that God began to show me how important prayer was in my parenting.
“God I thank you for name of your child and all you are doing in his/her life. Please watch over him/her, while he/she is at school. Protect him from all harm and danger Lord. Help him to utilize the principles I have taught him to treat his fellow peers and teachers with respect and build healthy relationships. I pray you keep him focused so that he comprehends what he is learning, and I pray for a good work ethic that he will do the best he can in all his school work. I pray that you will help him to display good behavior that is representative of you, and that you will continue to develop his identity and character in line with your Word. I pray that when disappointment comes that you will give him the perseverance and strength to push through and not feel defeated. I pray that in the midst of all the change that a new school year brings that you will take away any anxiety he may be feeling and bless him with peace. Thank you for your presence, provision, protection and guidance in his life even when I am not around. I commit him completely into your hands. Thank you Lord for all you are doing, have done, and will do in his life. Amen.”
I am grateful for the many times that I have learned to do what I can do as a mom, and simply pray and trust God to do the rest. And my son is a lot better off because of it!
There is nothing like a mother’s prayer for her children. And it will be amazing to see the changes God can make in your child’s life when you step aside and let Him.
Back to School Prayer for Parents
In the midst of praying for your children, don’t forget to pray for yourself!
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and feel defeated as a parent, because there is literally so much to do. So much to consider. So much to think about between schedules, outfits, packing lunches, getting them to school on time, checking homework, monitoring grades, reading emails from teachers, marking your calendar for school events, and taking care of yourself at the same time.
As much as we like to see ourselves as Wonder Women or Super Moms, I’m here to tell you that you will need a strength that can only come from God Himself to truly be successful in parenting.
Like David, Daniel and Nehemiah all did, we too have to cry out to God for help and strength:
- Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. Psalm 5:2
- Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. Daniel 6:10-11
- They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.’ But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” Nehemiah 6:9
In order for us to be the best parents we can be for our kids, we have to make sure we are taking care of ourselves spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
We have to make sure we are staying encouraged, saturating our minds with positive things, and spending time with God by reading His Word and praying regularly.
We have to make sure we are eating right, taking care of our bodies (hygiene, exercise, and physical appearance), and getting enough rest. And, we also have to make sure we are getting time for ourselves even if its only for a few minutes daily to relax, recoup, or do something we enjoy.
If these things are not a part of our regular routines, then this is the back to school prayer we need to start praying ASAP!
“Lord, I am running on fumes trying to make sure everything is in order in my home and in my kids lives. Some days I just feel so mentally drained, physically fatigued, and just over everything! Please help me God to find the right balance with it all. If there are things I need to eliminate from my schedule, please show me and help me to do it. Help me to learn to make self-care a priority without feeling guilty about it, so that I can have more energy and strength to be the mom you called me to be. Help me to realize that I can’t do everything, nor do I have to. Help me, strengthen me, and guide me by the power of your Holy Spirit. Thank you so much for what you are going to do in my life and in my home. Amen.”
One tactic of the enemy is to keep us so busy, drained, and frustrated with every day life, that we have little to no time to take care of ourselves, spend with our kids or God. He knows that if we are too busy to tap into some extra strength from above by spending time with God in His Word and prayer, that He can pretty much wreak havoc in any other area of our lives – starting with our kids and our home life!
Let’s not let the devil win. It is vital that we are diligent in praying for ourselves as parents, and seeking guidance from God regularly.
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Back to School Prayer for Teachers
Last, but certainly not the least, we can’t forget to pray for those who are on the front lines with our children every single day. We must pray for our kids’ teachers – for all school management and leadership for that matter (coaches, counselors, principals, bus drivers, school security, and other personnel).
Having a background as a Call Center Training Manager, working in youth ministry, and teaching Sunday School, I know all too well the pros, cons, and challenges of teaching in general. Teaching is not a career for those with little patience, quick tempers, inability to work with all kinds of people, or unwillingness to adapt to change at any given moment.
My hat goes off to ALL teachers regardless of what age group they deal with, especially at a time when there are so many distractions that can disrupt the teaching process so easily. It is so important that we pray for teachers. Pray for their patience, kindness, fairness, and flexibility. Pray for their wisdom, competence, and leadership skills in their area or subject of expertise.
It’s also important to maintain communication with your child’s teachers. Even when my son was a straight A student in elementary school with no issues whatsoever, I made it a point to at least check in periodically with his teacher. Not just for updates on my son, but also to say ‘thank you’.
True concern about our children’s success in school, should include regular communication and prayer for their teachers. After all, during the school year, they spend more time with our children than we do. Honestly, we should be working together with them as a team.
I’m a firm believer in being grateful for everyone God places in your life as a resource.
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Ephesians 1:16
And by the way, even if you are having an issue, or you find yourself butting heads with your child’s teacher, that’s all the more reason to pray for them! Surely the God who can move mountains can handle a nerve-racking teacher. But, we have to give Him the chance to work in the situation by talking to Him about it first.
“God, today I want to thank you for (teacher’s name) and all you have used him/her to do in my child’s life. I commit him into your hands, and I pray that you will protect and bless him. Give him wisdom, patience, and understanding as he deals with his students. Help him not to get easily frustrated, angry, or stressed. Help him to be fair and operate with a sense of dignity, professionalism, and respect. Help him to be open to communicating with me as a parent so that we can work together as a team for my child’s best interest. Thank you for all you are going to do Lord. Amen.”
Never Stop Praying!
I hope these back to school prayers will prove useful in helping you to be equipped for the current school year, and any upcoming school years in the future. Even during summer breaks, or once your kids are off to college, we should never stop praying these prayers for them in regards to school.
It is vital that we pray for our circumstances, our kids, ourselves, and teachers.
Side note: Don’t wait for situations to arise before you decide to start praying. Start praying in regards to all the inevitable issues that you think could or might arise.
Praying against violence, peer pressure, bad grades, and bad behavior even when your child is a model student will only help them. Not to mention it will thwart the devil’s plans!
Talking to God doesn’t require us to set aside a chunk of time. We can pray anytime, anywhere (in the shower, while cooking, while doing the dishes, while driving, while taking a walk, or while standing in line at the grocery store). We just have to commit to doing it consistently. The more you start talking to God, the more you will want to talk to Him daily.
So mommas, I urge you to please pray, pray, and pray some more. Our kids need it. We need it. Their teachers need it.
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- How to Pray When You Have No Clue Where to Start
- Praying for a Rebellious Teenager: 15 Teenage Prayer Ideas
- 25 Powerful Prayers for Children in School
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