5 Inspiring Prayers For The School Year Ahead
Starting a New School Year: The Rollercoaster of Emotions
The start of a new school year brings a lot with it. I’ve been there and done that. I remember the anticipation, the nerves, and the new routines I wasn’t always ready for. You’d think I’d have it down after two kids. Nope. Honestly, this is why this post is so important. Prayer was the one thing I didn’t prioritize.
Praying for Every Part of the School Year
Whether your child is heading into a classroom, learning at home, or doing a bit of both, one thing stays the same. We can and should bring every part of the school year to God in prayer.
We’re not just called to pray for our own children. Let’s cover everyone involved. That includes teachers, classmates, bus drivers, and if you are schooling at home, that means you too.
Here are five prayers to guide you as you commit this school year to God. Use them in your planner, keep them in your journal, or pray them over the people in your heart each week.
1. A Prayer to Begin the School Year
As the new school year gets closer, it’s the perfect time to start weaving back-to-school prayers into your everyday routine. These prayers aren’t just words. They are a way to ask God to guide every step along the way and give you strength when you need it most.
I’ve been there. With my own kids, the school year felt like a rollercoaster of ups and downs. The holidays might give us a little break, but then the busy days come rushing back. It is a cycle many of us know well, a mix of catching our breath and jumping right back into the crazy rhythm of school life.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, as this school year begins, please shine your light on us and help us live in a way that points others to you. Give us the strength to stand firm when things get hard, and the wisdom to make choices that honor you. Help everything we do to bear good fruit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
2. A Morning Prayer to Start Each Day
Starting the day with a prayer over your kids is a gift. Whether your children are little or older, it is a chance to gather together and bring your worries and hopes before God.
I have felt it myself. Those quiet moments of morning prayer remind me I am not steering this ship alone. It is a choice to surrender, handing over the reins to the One who has everything under control. That is a beautiful way to set the tone for a day filled with learning, growing, and leaning on God’s grace.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for this new day. We come with thankful hearts and ask that your will be done in our lives today. Give us strength to work well and make good choices. Let our actions bring glory to you. Amen.
3. A Prayer for Safety and Protection
Safety is a real concern in our world today. It can be hard not to worry when danger sometimes feels so close. That is why praying for protection over our children and everyone at school is so important.
I have had my own moments of fear and have learned to trust God to be the shield around my family. Even when I could not be with them, I could still pray, and that gave me peace.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we bring our schools, homes, and communities before you. Please place your protection over every child, teacher, and staff member. Keep them safe in all they do. Help us to trust you completely and find peace in your care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
4. A Prayer for Wisdom
There are so many decisions to make during the school year. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming not knowing what to do or say. God’s wisdom is the answer we need.
I should have prayed more for wisdom, especially when it came to handling difficult situations. When I was growing up, our mouths were often the issue. Talking too much, being disrespectful. But times sure have changed. Now I find myself praying for the grandchildren to have wisdom in these areas.
Prayer:
Lord, you are the source of all wisdom. Please guide our decisions this year. Give teachers patience and insight. Give our children understanding and confidence. Help us all to bear the image of Jesus and make choices that honor you. In Jesus name, Amen.
5. Individual Prayers for Teachers and Students
If your children are in a traditional school setting, there are so many people who play a part in their education. That includes teachers, aides, staff, and even the lawmakers behind the scenes. Sometimes those individuals can be forgotten as the school year moves along.
Now if you are homeschooling, there are still people who shape your school year. You may not have a bus driver or principal, but your curriculum developer, your librarian, co-op leaders, and the volunteers at your local museum or learning center are still part of the picture.
Whether your child is in a traditional classroom or learning at home, these personal prayers matter. This is how we support not just our children, but also those who help shape their learning day by day.
Prayer:
Dear God, I lift up [name] to you today. You know their needs, their struggles, and their hopes. Please guide them through every part of this school year. Give them peace when things feel uncertain, and courage when they face challenges. Surround them with people who will encourage them and speak truth into their lives. Most of all, help them come to know you more. Let them see the goodness of Jesus in the way they are loved, supported, and guided. Draw their hearts closer to you each day. In Jesus name, Amen.
Prayer Is a Beautiful Gift
Prayer is a gift we carry throughout the school year. It is a quiet reminder that we are never walking this journey alone.
No matter how your child is learning this year, there are many people who would be blessed by your prayers. Think of the bus drivers, cafeteria workers, teachers, aides, librarians, co-op leaders, and even school board members and lawmakers. Every one of them matters.
Let’s keep lifting our children and the entire school community to the Lord. And if you would like a way to keep these prayers close, visit the Downloadable Prayer Cards section for printable prayers you can use throughout the year.
If you would like personal prayer, head over to our Prayer Chamber and leave a request. Or feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to pray for you and with you.
