Prayers for Back to School

PRAYERS FOR PARENTS

1. Pray that parents would lead their children well, modeling a vibrant life of prayer, faith, and Bible study. Pray that parents would embrace their role as the chief disciple-makers in the home. (Deuteronomy 11:19)

2. Pray that parents deciding between public, private, and homeschooling would have the wisdom, resources, courage, and support necessary to do what is best for their family. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

3. Pray that parents would be engaged within their local school system and have the wisdom and courage to counter ungodly influences and indoctrination within education. (Ephesians 6:10-13)

4. Pray that parents would have the wisdom and discernment to know when their child is struggling with something (spiritually, relationally, academically, etc.) and seek the Lord on how to handle the situation best. (James 1:5)

5. Pray that parents' marriages would be strong. Pray that parents going through challenges in their marriages would find the help and healing they need. Also, pray that single parents would have endurance and a support system as they seek to create stable and safe homes for their children to come home to. (Ephesians 4:32; 5:22-33)

6. Pray that parents homeschooling for the first time this year would have wisdom in choosing the curriculum and extracurricular activities that best fit their children's needs. (Proverbs 22:6)

PRAYERS FOR STUDENTS

7. Pray that Christian students would set an example of purity for their peers in both word and deed and walk in a manner worthy of their calling as followers of Christ. (1 Timothy 4:12; Colossians 1:9-10)

8. Pray that students returning to school would experience a smooth transition as they adjust to new areas of study, new teachers, new friends, and new challenges. (Philippians 4:13)

9. Pray that students would have an attitude of respect for teachers. (Titus 3:1-2)

10. Pray that students would have the discernment to recognize truth from falsehood in what is being presented in the classroom and the culture at large. (Colossians 2:8; Proverbs 23:23; Romans 12:2)

11. Pray that Christian students would proactively reach out to classmates who feel lonely or left out. Pray that students would remember that everyone is valuable and has dignity. (Romans 12:16; Matthew 25:34-40)

12. Pray that students would get involved in or start Christian clubs on campus that will strengthen their faith and provide accountability for Christians on campus. (Colossians 3:16)

13. Pray that Christian students would not neglect attending church, Bible studies, and youth group meetings. Pray that they would have the courage to invite their non-believing friends to events where the gospel will be shared. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

14. Pray that students would stand strong in the face of temptations. (James 4:7)

15. Pray that Christian students would stand boldly against gossip and bullying. (Psalm 34:12-14; Proverbs 31:8-9)

16. Pray that Christian students would have the courage and opportunities to share the gospel with their friends. (Matthew 7:7; 1 Corinthians 16:9)

17. Pray that students would seek out wise, godly mentors in their lives and avoid influences that undermine their faith. (Proverbs 2:1-11; Ephesians 5:7-11)

18. Pray that students with emotional, physical, or family needs would receive the help and support they need to flourish and become all that God intends for them to be. (Hebrews 13:16; Philippians 4:6-7; 19)

19. Pray that students facing tough questions about their faith would not be persuaded by deceptive, unbiblical teaching. Pray that they would be able to give an answer for the hope they have in Christ. (1 Peter 3:15)

PRAYERS FOR TEACHERS & LEADERS

20. Pray that teachers would have wisdom and insight as they help students start a new school year/semester. (1 Kings 3:9)

21. Pray that Christian teachers would have the boldness to teach facts and critical thinking rather than ideologies and agendas contrary to God's truth. (Joshua 1:9)

22. Pray that school administrators would respect religious liberty and biblical values. Pray that they would resist the temptation to cave to pressure from anti-faith groups. (Ephesians 6:13)

23. Pray that teachers and administrators would exhibit grace and empathy for troubled students while also maintaining a safe and orderly environment. (Colossians 3:12-15)

24. Pray that Christian teachers and administrators would be encouraged in their calling to serve the next generation, especially on difficult days when they feel they are alone. (Galatians 6:9)

25. Pray that Christian coaches would develop meaningful mentoring relationships with student-athletes they can encourage and disciple. (Proverbs 27:17)

26. Pray that youth pastors and churches would develop meaningful relationships with students in their communities and have opportunities to influence their lives for good. (1 Corinthians 4:15)

PRAYERS FOR TODAY'S SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

27. Pray that Christians involved in any part of the school system would take their cultural commission to be salt and light seriously. Pray that Christians would have opportunities to meet some of the material needs of students in their communities as well. (Matthew 5:13-16)

28. Pray that teachers, bus drivers, school employees, students, and their families would remain healthy as schools navigate public health concerns. (Psalm 103:2-4; 2 Chronicles 7:14)

29. Pray that our schools would be safe and that any plans for harm would be exposed and stopped. (Psalm 91)

30. Pray that everyone in the school system would have the gospel clearly presented to them through the words and actions of believers. (2 Thessalonians 3:1)