Here and There: Seven Back-to-School Prayers
By Amanda DeWitt
You can almost hear the school bell ringing in the distance.
Soon, the hallways will be filled with sounds of scampering feet, heading off to their next classroom adventure. There will be giggles and whispers, tales of summertime travel and talks of what is for lunch that day. There will be gasps of wonder at new discoveries and maybe a few drippy tears for those walking in for the first time.
No matter where you live in the world, back-to-school season carries anticipation and anxiety. While children feel the weight of their backpack filled with supplies, parents and caregivers sense the weight of a new year.
With all the hustle and planning, it can be easy to wonder how you should pray. We have provided a simple, seven-day guide you can pray for and with your student. We have also included prayers you can pray together for children around the world as they go back to school too.
Follow along each day for a brief, focused time of prayer in preparation for the school year.
Day 1: A Prayer for Peace
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!” — Isaiah 26:3
Parent: Lord, please calm my child’s anxieties about the new school year. Help them know You are with them even when I am not. Please surround them with Your peace and presence as they walk into the school building and their classroom each day. Amen.
Student: God, I am a little nervous about the new school year. Help me to know You are with me each day. Please give me Your peace. Amen
Around the World: Lord, we pray for students around the world as they prepare to go to school. Please be with them. Give them peace. Help them to hear about You and Your great love for them. Thank You. Amen.
Day 2: A Prayer for Protection
“For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear Him.” — Psalm 34:7
Parent: Dear God, please protect my children and their classmates today. Watch over their school and classroom and keep them safe. Be their shield and protector as they go and come home. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Student: Lord, please watch over me and my friends today. Keep us safe and healthy as we learn and grow. Bless us today. Amen
Around the World: Heavenly Father, please watch over children everywhere as they go to school today. Keep them safe as they walk long distances. Protect them as they learn in their classrooms. Help them to know You are with them. Amen.
Day 3: A Prayer for Provision
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19
Parent: Lord, You know what my child needs today — encouragement, healing or a hug from a friend. Would You meet his/her every need today? Please help them see that You are with them and provide for their every need. Amen.
Student: Lord, today I need Your ________. Please help me trust You for each of my needs. Help me to notice and thank You when You provide for me. Amen.
Around the World: God, as students head to classrooms today, would You meet their every need? Please provide school supplies for those who do not have them. A meal for those who are hungry. Encouragement for those who feel down. Please remind children in tough places that You see and care for their every need. Amen.
Day 4: A Prayer for Friendship
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” — Proverbs 18:24
Parent: God, please provide my children with friends who are a positive influence. Direct them to friends who love You and encourage them in their faith. Please also give my children wisdom to select friends who will encourage and uplift them instead of tearing them down. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Student: Lord, please bring good friends into my life this school year. Help me be a good friend to others and show them Your love. Thank You. Amen.
Around the World: Lord, growing up can be so challenging. Please give children in tough places the love, care and support they need. Help them build healthy friendships. Help those who follow You be a light in their classrooms. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 5: A Prayer for Guidance
“‘But true wisdom and power are found in God; counsel and understanding are His.’” — Job 12:13
Parent: Lord, please guide and direct my children in Your ways. Send them godly counselors who can point them to You. Give me wisdom as I teach and direct them. Help them to seek You and Your direction for their lives even while they are young. Thank You. Amen.
Student: Lord, please give me the guidance I need. Help me to listen to instruction and be teachable when corrected. Please put godly adults in my life. Help me to seek You every day. Amen.
Around the World: Dear God, please provide Your loving guidance to children around the world. Give students caring adults who can point them to You. Help students have teachable, receptive hearts. Help them grow in knowledge and in the love of You. Amen.
Day 6: A Prayer for Wisdom
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” — James 1:5
Parent: God, please give my children wisdom for the situations they will face today. Help them know how to handle challenges in a way that honors You. Help my children to seek Your wisdom, even when it is unpopular. Give them strength to live out their faith today. Amen.
Student: Lord, teach me how to walk with You today. Help me to honor You as I interact with my teacher and classmates. Help me to make wise choices and be a light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Around the World: Dear God, our world is filled with so many opinions. Help children everywhere see You and Your wisdom. Help them pursue what is right. Give them a desire to honor You in how they live. Help them recognize that Your ways are better and bring blessings to our lives. Amen.
Day 7: A Prayer to Shine
“‘You are the light of the world — like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.’” — Matthew 5:14
Parent: Lord, even though my child is young, help them be a light for You. Help them to demonstrate Your love and care to others. Help them speak and act in a way that shows Your goodness and kindness to those around them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Student: Lord, help me to shine as a light for You today. Help me point others to You in what I say and how I act. Please use me to be a light in my classroom. Amen.
Around the World: Dear God, please be with Christian students as they go to school today. Give them strength to stand for You. Use them to be a light in their classrooms. Protect them from persecution and give them strength when it comes. Help them to tell many about You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
*Images made with AI
FREE Little Explorers Back-to-School Download
The Unto Little Explorers, Naomi and Daniel, are heading back to school! Come along through fun activities, like a wordsearch and coloring page. Simplify your morning and evening routines through the Daily Chore Chart. There are even Kindness Notes for parents to tuck inside lunch boxes and backpacks.