Twas the night before school and all through the houses,

Kids are a bit anxious and so are the spouses.

Backpacks are hung by the front door with care,

In hopes that they have everything needed in there.

With kids in pajamas and mom ready for bed,

She tucks them in tight and kisses each head.

When halfway to bed in her room down the hall,

Mom stops in her tracks when she hears someone call.

“Moooommmy, I want you, I need you I think”.

Reassurance is probably under guise of a drink.

“Will my teacher like me? Will I make friends?

Where is the bathroom? When will the day end?”

Questions all answered, and up come the covers

Mom’s feeling too tired to answer another.

With the lights turned out, she lets out a sigh

Returns to her bed when someone else cries.

More anxious feelings are ready to share.

“What if I’m bullied, or lonely or scared?”

Amidst all their questions mom has one of her own.

Will her prayers be answered when she comes to God’s throne?

Recalling His faithfulness she drops to her knees.

“O Lord bless my children and grant us sleep please.”

Whispering softly as she turns out the light,

“I’ll never stop praying and you’ll be alright.”

 

 

As pool days turn into school days, the end of summer ushers in an array of feelings. Emotions run the gamut from fear and anxiety to eager anticipation and excitement, and reside in the hearts of parents and students alike. Whether you homeschool, choose Christian school, or prefer public education, the transition from summer to the classroom manages to bring out the angst in all of us.

Questions can arise faster than we find answers.

Do I have what it takes to teach my child?

What if there is a hidden agenda in the curriculum?

How will friends and social media affect my student?

Whether you’re wary, worried or wondering, take your questions to the One who has the answers. God extends his invitation to us in Jeremiah 33:3: “Call to me and I will answer you and I will tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

We can boldly come before the throne of God with our prayers for our children.

“Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” 1 John 5:14

So… what exactly is God’s will?  What will make an impact not only in the lives of our children now but also for eternity? How should we pray?

Praying scripture is powerful because God’s Word is alive and active. God-breathed words achieve his purpose; working all things for our good and his glory. As a mom of three, nana to six, and teacher of hundreds of students through the years, prayer has been my first line of both offense and defense when it comes to school.

Education is more than academics. Building meaningful relationships with teachers and peers both in an out of the classroom contribute to the success or failure of a school year. Extra-curricular activities and social media have the potential to encourage or discourage your child, but God has the power to impact all these areas through your prayers.

Here are four prayer points to get you started:

 

A Teachable Spirit:

“Your hand made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands” (Psalm 119:73) If God can help us understand his Word, surely he is more than capable of helping a child understand alga rhythms and analogies, and to change their areas of weakness into strengths. Struggling students often shut down for fear of failure. Teachable spirits affect attitudes as well as academics. Adding the teacher to your prayers increases the possibility that he or she will make time to seek out new strategies or additional resources rather than take offense when you share concerns about your child.

An Obedient Spirit:

Let’s face it, cooperative children are easier to teach. The desire for obedience is not only in the hearts of parents, it is God’s heart, too. He reveals the secret to obedience in John 14:23 “anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.”  Ask God to give your child a heart of love; for you, his teachers, friends, and most importantly for the Lord.

 

A Confident and Courageous Spirit:

Navigating an increasingly sarcastic and negative culture will take confidence and courage. God can help your child stand firm in the truth of what they know, and to not cave in or be swayed by peer pressure. We can pray Joshua 1:9 in confidence that God will build courage into our students. “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

 

A Servant’s Heart:

Jesus said that “The greatest among you will be your servant.” Matthew 23:11

Pray for opportunities for your child to honor those around him with kindness and practical help. Ask God for his grace to work through your child to extend love especially to those who are more difficult to love. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus tells us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. Luke 6:28 says to find a way to “bless those who curse you.” We cannot do that without God’s divine influence in our hearts reflecting his love and grace to others.

 

Father God, as a new school year begins raise up an army of prayer warriors. Use your Word to inspire our prayers as you encourage and challenge us with your promises and truth. Guide our children to take their place in this generation, and to stand for righteousness and shine like stars in the universe for you. May they be known as your disciples because of their great love for others. Help them to overlook offenses and grant forgiveness freely. Teach them to pray for their enemies and look for ways to bless them. Protect them from evil as they learn to put on your spiritual armor and take refuge in you; show yourself strong on their behalf. Calm every anxious heart with the peace that passes understanding. Thank you that when we pray, you will answer us because you are faithful. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus we pray, amen.