During an average school day, the classroom, the lunchroom, and the playground test a child’s character from every direction.
For Christian parents, one of the best ways we can support our children as they head back-to-school is to pray for them and with them. Without prayer, we gamble the future of their spiritual lives. The Lord entrusts parents with the complete growth of a child, including their spiritual wellbeing. Time spent developing our family’s prayer life is never wasted, and if we don’t do it, who will?
Prayer invites God into each part of a child’s day. It’s a reminder that they never face challenges alone—that their words and actions matter. And praying for teachers and school staff supports the people investing in their growth.
Below, we’ve outlined three simple ways to pray for your children as they head back-to-school.
1. Prayers for students: Learning and spiritual growth
Praying for your children is crucial, but the need to pray with them can’t be overstated. Doing so teaches them to depend on the Lord in every trial—even in something as simple as getting homework done.
If you only have seconds to spare before the bus arrives, pray over your child before sending them off. It may seem small, but your words can have a huge impact on their day (and life) for years to come. Intercede for them in their role as a student, a friend, and as an example to others. Here are some prayer ideas:
- “Father, bless _________ as they listen and apply themselves for learning. Give him/her an attentive mind and a humble heart that they would glorify You at school today.”
- “Lord, be with _________ today. Help him/her to honor You with their thoughts, words, and actions at school. May Your Spirit allow him/her to be a light to the lost, and a friend to the lonely.”
- “Dear Jesus, give _________ wisdom today to make the right decisions. Enable him/her to build others up and speak the truth in love. Help him/her to grow in selflessness and good deeds.”
Remember, prayer shouldn’t stop after the morning either. Make time when children are home after school to pray as a family. Talk to your child about how their day went and explore how you can pray for them.
Engaging this way on a regular basis can open doors to draw their focus back to Jesus. It also helps identify areas where extra spiritual growth is needed. Most importantly, it shows them why prayer is so important to Christian living.
2. Praying for schools: Teachers and staff
Parents are often laser-focused on their children, and rightfully so! But attention should also be given to the teachers and staff who spend most of the day with them. If your child attends public school, a private school, a co-op, or even if you choose to homeschool, anyone instructing children needs prayer to do their job well.
Teaching itself is a kind of ministry, especially in an educational setting. Children are impressionable and often look up to their teachers as examples. That’s why educators must be lifted up for the great responsibility on their shoulders. Plus, they have their own personal and spiritual needs too! Use these as a starting point when praying for them:
- “Father God, thank you for the teachers who faithfully show up every day to teach our children. I pray for their perseverance and patience in dealing with difficult students. Help them maintain good character in all they do.”
- “Dear Lord, help us as we teach our children. Keep us from cutting corners or becoming complacent. We ask for wisdom and focus as we prepare them for adulthood and independence one day.”
- “Almighty God, I pray that the teachers and staff would honor you in their speech and actions. Help them to be gracious and understanding. That they would wholeheartedly invest in the lives of their students.”
If it’s you or your spouse doing the teaching, talk to them about how things are going. Make it a habit to sit down and discuss the material your children are learning. Try and identify if there are areas where teaching could be improved and pray about it together.
If your children go to school, make an effort to be at parent-teacher conferences. Take the time to ask teachers how you can pray for them as they lead their classes. This shows that you care about your child’s education, and the people educating them.
3. Know the Word: Scriptures to pray over your children
God’s Word is the greatest instruction we can give to our children. The Bible itself says that it is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12, ESV). It’s truths are relevant at any age, and knowing them by heart strengthens our prayers.
Children will learn a lot about the world through school, so parents need to make sure their knowledge is built on a Christ-centered foundation. Using Bible verses during family prayer is a simple, yet effective way to do this.
When praying over your children, repeat verses that speak to their needs. Even if they can’t read yet, it will show them how powerful Scripture really is. Below are examples of how you can weave His words into daily prayer:
- “Heavenly Father, Your Word says that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Help _________ to know You above all else. Guide him/her in their learning at school today. Grow him/her in knowledge and love.” (Proverbs 9:10, ESV)
- “Lord Jesus, You promise that if any of us lacks wisdom, we can ask You, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to us. Give _________ wisdom at school this week. Help him/her in telling truth from error. Help him/her to be wise in making and keeping friends. ” (James 1:5, ESV)
- “Almighty God, help _________ in whatever he/she does at school, to work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Help him/her to please You in all they do. Give him/her focus and strength to do well in school—not to impress others, but to bring glory to Your name.” (Colossians 3:23, ESV)
Bible-informed prayers help children see their world through a Christian lens. It strengthens them to work through hard things (like multiplication tables or playground melodrama) with godly character. You and your spouse can reinforce this as you model the same truths in your own lives.
The power of prayer
As you guide your children with regular prayer, it won’t be long before you and your family see direct answers to prayer. Don’t overlook this! Make it a point to show your children the Lord’s faithfulness by celebrating answered prayer together. You could write down a list of each one and post it somewhere visible in the house (like the fridge or kitchen table). Then take time to thank God as a family.
Acknowledging and honoring His work shows children the power of prayer in any situation. The instinct to go before the Lord will come easier over time as they see His love in action at home and at school.
How CHM supports families through prayer
If you have children entering kindergarten or just finishing college, families of any size can enjoy the perks of membership with Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM). On top of being an alternative to health insurance, CHM supports members spiritually, too.
The Prayer Wall located in the Member Portal allows members to share their prayer requests and lets others know you’re praying for them. Each Member Contribution Form (monthly billing statement) also features a section called Prayers Unceasing. This list highlights members in need of prayerful letters through mail or email.
In every phase of life, families can find encouragement through the prayers and support of fellow CHM members.
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