[A]re we preparing our kids spiritually for the kinds of things they may face at school? 

Prayer for children in school is vital, so before your kids head off to school and throughout the year, make sure to pray for the following. . . .

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Important Prayers for Your Children This School Year 

1. That they would be a light in the darkness at school

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:14 ESV)

As our kids walk the halls of their schools, let’s pray that the light they shine for Jesus would be bright. As others interact with them, may our children draw people to Christ through their words and actions.

2. That they would recognize the authority of their teachers

Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution… (1 Peter 2:13a ESV)

One of the problems we faced with our kids as they entered the junior and senior high years was dealing with respect for their teachers.

Even when facing conflict with teachers, the Bible says we need to respect the authority placed over us.

Let’s pray that our children have respect for their teachers, even if they face conflict with those teachers, knowing that this year God has put those teachers in authority over them.

3. That they would do their schoolwork to the glory of God

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV)

One of the things we try to stress in our home is doing homework well, instead of doing it quickly to get it out of the way.

It’s human nature for kids to want to rush through homework, so they can get on to doing things they love. But let’s pray that they take the time to do their schoolwork to the best of their ability, as if they are doing schoolwork for the Lord. Because they are.

4. That they would be a friend to the friendless

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:7-8 ESV)

Doesn’t it seem like every year there is one kid in class who has a hard time making friends? Some years that kid was my child. Oh what a difference it would have made if just one child came alongside her to be her friend.

Our experience has spurred us to deeper prayer for kids in school. We pray that our children would be a friend to the friendless. Bullying or even just loneliness can take such a toll on children. Let’s pray that our kids have the courage to reach out in kindness when they see another child who could use a friend.

5. That God would open their eyes to anything unbiblical

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (John 14:26 ESV)

One of the things I remember as a Christian student in public high school was the day my science teacher made fun of one of my classmates for challenging the accuracy of the Big Bang Theory.

Years later, I admire my classmate for sticking up for her beliefs.

When our kids go to school, especially public school, they will be exposed to beliefs that are in opposition to what the Bible says. Let’s pray that our kids listen to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to recognize such thoughts and ideas. And let’s pray that our kids would desire to discuss these issues with us, their parents.

Each school year we expect that our children will have more knowledge at the end of the year than they had at the beginning. It’s why we send them to school.

But do we expect that they will grow spiritually every year?

More than anything else, let’s pray that our kids take their faith in Christ seriously. That they are motivated to read their Bibles and pray. And that they would end the school year more spiritually mature than they began.

That, to me, would be a successful school year.

(Excerpted from  Arabah Joy, by Lynae McCoy.)