Back-to-School Prayer Guide for Parents

Verse Blog

As summer comes to a close and it’s time to send our children back to school, there are many things we as parents can do to prepare them for the year ahead. Whether they are in college, high school, middle school, or kindergarten, we have a responsibility to lead and guide them in the ways of the Lord.

Prayer is one of the most vital ways we can cover them. They will face new teachers, new classes, and new challenges — but God’s Word gives us promises we can pray over their lives.

Here is a list of things to pray for your children, with corresponding scriptures:

Favor

• “And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.” — Psalm 90:17 
• “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” — Psalm 84:11 

Peace

• “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 
• “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” — Colossians 3:15 

Wisdom

• “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 
• “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” — James 1:5 

Understanding / Clarity

• “So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” — Proverbs 2:2–5 
• “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” — 1 John 5:20 

Rest

• “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28–30 
• “When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.” — Proverbs 3:24 

Patience

• “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing…” — Ecclesiastes 3:1–5 
• “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.” — Psalm 37:7–9 

Provision

• “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 
• “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” — Romans 8:31–32

We are not sending our children out alone. God’s favor, peace, wisdom, patience, and provision go with them. So take time each day to lift them up in prayer, speak truth over them, and remind them who they are in Christ.

This school year may come with its ups and downs, but with God at the center, it can be filled with growth, joy, and grace.

Let’s commit this year to the Lord and walk forward in confidence, knowing He is faithful.

A Parent’s Prayer

Heavenly Father, 

I thank You for the gift of my children. As they begin this school year, I ask for Your hand of favor to be upon them. Fill their hearts with peace, guard their minds with wisdom, and grant them understanding in all that they learn. Give them patience in every challenge and surround them with good friends and godly influences. Protect them from harm, provide for every need, and remind them daily that they are loved, chosen, and never alone. I place them in Your care and trust You to guide their steps.

 In Jesus’ name, Amen.