Prayers to Pray Over Your Kids for the New School Year

Do you remember the feeling of being a kid and choosing your brand-new backpack for school? Or the smell of a fresh notebook as you prepared your bag for the first day? Everything was new. It was so exciting. As we grow up, we find that feeling in other experiences, but becoming parents allows us to experience some of it all over again. Seeing your kids excited and anticipating another year is truly special. As we begin to prepare for a new school year, we can’t forget to start praying over our kids.  Throughout the Bible, we see many parents pray over their kids. We see Job, a father of 10 children, regularly preparing burnt offerings and praying on behalf of them (Job 1:5). Abraham, the father of Ishmael and Isaac, prayed for Ishmael’s well-being when God promised him Isaac. He said, “If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!” (Genesis 17:18 NIV). The Canaanite woman, a Gentile mother, came before Jesus and begged Him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Jesus praised her persistent faith and healed her child (Matthew 15:22–28 NIV).  The list goes on and on. Whether a parent prayed for the miracle of a child or continued interceding for them throughout their life, it’s evident that God loves to listen to and answer the prayers of parents.  So, why not begin to pray specific prayers over our children for their school year? Here are 10 prayers for you to reflect on and pray over your kids: 
  1. Pray for Wisdom
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”—James 1:5 (NIV) Lord, give my child wisdom and discernment in every decision they make this year. Help them to grow in the knowledge of Your Word and understanding of the things they’re learning. Make Your presence known to them. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
  1. Pray for Protection 
“The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”—Psalm 121:8 (NIV) Father, place a hedge of protection around my child physically, emotionally, and spiritually today. Help them to see You and hear Your voice today. Remind them how You never leave their side. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. 
  1. Pray for Confidence 
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”—Psalm 139:14 (NIV) Father, may my child walk into school each day with confidence, knowing they’re fearfully and wonderfully made. Remind them they’re deeply loved and known. Breathe life over them today. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
  1. Pray for Friendships 
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”—Proverbs 13:20 (NIV) Lord, bless my child with kind, uplifting friendships and help them to be a good friend in return. Guide them to the right people and place a hedge of protection over their hearts. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
  1. Pray for Courage 
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”—Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) Jesus, give my child the courage to stand up for what’s right and to be bold in their faith. I pray they’ll have the courage to face anything in front of them. Teach them to walk in faith, not fear. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
  1. Pray for Joy 
“Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’”—Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV) God, let my child be filled with joy each day, no matter what challenges arise. I pray those who come in contact with them will also be filled with joy and leave refreshed. Let them shine Your light today. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
  1. Pray for Peace
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”—Philippians 4:7 (NIV) Lord, guard my child’s heart with Your peace, especially in times of stress or anxiety. I pray whatever they face today, they’ll feel a peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
  1. Pray for Focus 
“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.”—Proverbs 4:25 (NIV)  Father, help my child stay focused in their learning and free from distractions. Holy Spirit, help them to refocus when something calls their attention. Give them the strength to concentrate, listen, and walk in self-control. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
  1. Pray for Perseverance
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”—Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) Jesus, strengthen my child to keep going when school feels hard or overwhelming. I pray they’ll fix their eyes on You and are reminded they can do anything with Your strength. Make them bold and persistent! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
  1. Pray for Integrity
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”—Proverbs 11:3 (NIV) Lord, help my child live with integrity, doing what’s right even when no one is watching. I pray they’ll choose to be a true Jesus follower, shining Your light wherever they are and walking blamelessly. Cleanse their hearts of any thoughts that are not from You, and keep them close to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. You’re not alone in the parenting journey! We’re praying for a wonderful and peace-filled school year for your kids and your family. Your church family is here for you.
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