NOTE: The following article is from ChristianParenting.org, another ministry of Denison Ministries. Whether you have children or not, or if you’re a parent or grandparent, you’re encouraged to pray these prayers over the future culture-changing students you know as they begin a new school year.
The school year is right around the corner and that can bring a wave of emotions. Whether you’re excited and eager or stressed and anxious about what the upcoming school year will hold, there will be an inevitable number of great moments, a fair share of really hard moments, and a whole lot of in-between moments of simply juggling the balls to make it through the day.
There’s never been a more important time culturally to raise kids who know God and understand what it means to live biblically. And a big part of this is covering our kids in prayer every day.
Below are three prayers based on the Psalms to pray over your children this school year.
1. A prayer for wisdom
Lord, teach my children to pursue your wisdom and not the world’s. Show them what fearing you looks like and how this awe and respect will lead them into closer community with you. Help my children to live in obedience to your Word and to live in a way that you can use them for your great purposes. Allow my children to praise you authentically and genuinely in a way that’s pleasing to you.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise” (Psalm 111:10).
2. A prayer about measuring up
Lord, comparison so often brings discouragement in my life, and I know that’s not from you. Please remind my children of this truth and show them the significance and status they have as your child. Bring them godly mentors who model biblical truth and obedience in their lives, and teach them to come to you for anything they are lacking.
“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked” (Psalm 84:10).
3. A prayer about friendship
Lord, friendships are so significant in my children’s lives, and I pray that you will give them solid ones. Help my family to live in unity with those around us and not allow the enemy to break us down through divisiveness. Teach my children to befriend those who are different from them and to love all people equally.
“How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!” (Psalm 133:1 MSG)
The Psalms are made up of 150 songs, poems, and expressions of faith from real-life people who teach us how to pray, what to pray, and when to pray. And hidden in these vulnerable, pretense-free words, we learn the keys to seeking wisdom, fearing God, being still, living with contentment, and so much more.
If you would like to spend this school year praying vulnerably and authentically over your kids, check our new resource A Life of Faith: Knowing, Loving, Following, and Sharing Jesus.
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