Time for School

“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).

Heavenly Father,

Today, we pray for our grandchildren as they transition to a new school year. Let them be courteous, cooperative and respectful of their teachers and classmates as they take part in classroom activities and discussions. Let them approach their studies, especially difficult material, with determination; let their creative juices flow. Broaden their understanding of mathematics, languages, history, science and fine arts, and give them the ability to apply this understanding to everyday experiences. Let them be willing to ask for help when they need it.

Let them be lifelong learners, who have eyes to see, ears to hear, minds to understand and hearts to discern whatever is true, honorable, just pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8).
In Jesus’ Name, we pray.
Amen.

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Abba Father,

We pray for the upcoming school year. Please give the administrators and teachers discerning hearts and minds as they prepare to open the doors on a new year. Let them be wise stewards of the resources at their disposal. Let them make prudent decisions about schedules, curriculum and room assignments. Let them create an environment that is safe, nurturing and conducive for learning.

We also pray for our grandchildren as they prepare to meet this year’s teachers, juggle busy schedules, tackle tougher subject matter, renew old friendships and make new ones. We pray they step into the new year, confident that You are with them—strengthening them, helping them and upholding them with your righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10, paraphrased).

In Jesus’ Name, we pray.
Amen.
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Heavenly Father,

Our grandchildren’s parents are busily preparing for a new school year, purchasing clothes and last-minute school supplies, arranging carpool and planning lunches. Some breathe a sigh of relief, thankful that routine will soon return to their homes. Others wipe away tears, as their children, our grandchildren, take another step toward independence.

Today, we pray for these dedicated parents. Please ease their minds as they sort through the gamut of emotions they are experiencing. Let them know that they can cast their anxiety on you, because you care for them (I Peter 5:7).

Protect them from becoming enslaved to overly busy calendars and unrealistic expectations. Give them the ability to discern what is important and to cast off as rubbish the things that are not. Encourage them to embrace the adventures, challenges and opportunities, which await them. And help them encourage our grandchildren to do the same.

May they “forget what lies behind (the old school year) and strain forward to what lies ahead (the new school year), let them press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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Lord Jesus,

We find ourselves in a battle for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren. The battle isn’t “against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness” (Ephesians 6:12). Forgive us for the countless times we’ve attempted to handle this battle alone.

Cover us in the mantle of your love. Cloak us in your armor, securing it in place with the belt of your truth. Safeguard our hearts against the world’s depravity with the breastplate of your righteousness. Shod our feet to stand firmly for your gospel of peace. Protect our minds from Satan’s lies with the helmet of your salvation. 

In all circumstances, show us how to use your shield of faith to extinguish Satan’s fiery darts. Show us how to disarm all forces of evil with your sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:11-17). 

Urge us to be persistent in prayer, “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (Ephesians 6:18). 

And remind us, with every breath we take, that the victory has already been won. For you are the victory!

In your Name, we pray.

Amen.

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Father God,

Today, we pray about our grandchildren’s walk with You. Please plant their feet firmly on the path of life. “Direct (their) footsteps according to Your word; let no sin rule over (them)” (Psalm 119:133). 

Let them walk with You as Noah did, blameless and with singleness of heart. Teach them your way, so they may walk in Your truth; unite their hearts to fear Your name. (Psalm 86:11, ESV, paraphrased).

And when they stumble, as we all do, please uphold them in the strength of Your saving grace.

We pray this in the name of Jesus, who, by the way of the cross, is the path.

Amen.

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LORD Jesus,

We pray our grandchildren will become confessing Christians. Let them “believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God” (John 11:27), who came into the world to save sinners. Let them, acknowledging that they “have gone astray and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:26). Let them repent of their sins and return to You. Please wash them in your blood, clothe them in your righteousness and anoint them with your Holy Spirit. 

“For to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21)

In Your Name, we pray.

Amen.

(Submitted by Sherry Schumann)