13 Powerful Back to School Verses to Pray Over Your Kids

Back to school season is a time of excitement and worry for both parents and kids. During the summer, we have our kids close to us – for us to look over and protect from the tactics of the enemy. But once school begins, they are away from us for a significant period of each day and we must pray that we've prepared them for combating the enemy without us. I've put together this list of 13 back to school verses to pray over your child as they embark upon this new school year.

Father, I pray for each and every child of every age that will be heading away from home to attend school this year. I pray that you cover them in your full armor so they may repel the enemy's tactics. I pray that each child is able to put aside their fear and worry so they may fully enjoy the resources in learning that they'll be provided. I pray for the parents who may be home worrying. I pray they trust that you will be watching and protecting their children during this time away from home. And I pray that you will destroy any tactic the enemy wishing to use to do harm or cause temptation to these young, innocent souls. And I pray that each day, each and every child will come home, safe and full of joy, ready to share in the excitement of everything they learned. Amen.

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Back to School Bible Verses For Students

As my daughter is getting ready to start the 10th grade in a couple of weeks, I'm filled with both excitement and worry. I'm excited about the new things she'll be learning with the more advanced course options as a Sophmore. Excited to see her continue to bloom into such an amazing young woman. But anxious about things like school shootings, drugs, bullying, and so much more!

I think most moms can relate to these feelings. So what do we do?

We pray! And we rest in knowing that we've well-prepared them for fighting the enemy – regardless of what form he comes in. These back to school verses cover most of the areas of struggle our kids will face at school. By praying these back to school verses over our kids – and speaking these verses to them – they'll know they have the full armor of God with them throughout each day.

Prayers for Courage, Strength, and Peace

Going back to school can be tough for many kids. As kids transition from elementary to middle school, and worse – from middle to high school, they often are filled with anxiety about not fitting in or not being able to make the grade.

Courage and Strength

Pray that they will be brave to tackle anything that comes their way because they'll know that God is with them through it all.  Pray that they know their strength comes from Him and He won't fail them.

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 NIV

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with your wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV

Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:17-18 

Prayers for Peace

Most kids are anxious about going back to school. Anxious and nervous about meeting new people, keeping up with the next level of educational requirements, and nervous about fitting it. I pray they have peace as they walk into the doors of school each day, knowing that you are with them.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4 NIV

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV

Prayer for Self-Esteem

As kids head off to begin a new school year, many of them struggle with self-esteem and self-worth. This is especially true for kids going through puberty and all the changes that come with that. I pray that they understand that their value and worth comes from Jesus and no one else. That they don't try to be someone they aren't and are can be comfortable in the skin that He gave them because He makes no mistakes!

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 NIV

Prayer for Protection

Unfortunately, we live in a world where the enemy is always around every corner. This may come in the form of a bully as well as the more recent threads of active shooters and other violent threats. I pray that each child is surrounded by the full armor of God and he or she walks through the doors of school each day. That they are able to avoid danger in any form and that each day, they come home safe and sound.

The Lord will keep you from all harm; he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8 NIV

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 NIV

Prayer for Joy and Passion

A school is a place of learning and learning should be fun! Many kids find joy at school because their home lives aren't the best. Others find the passion for learning different things – the passion that will drive them into later careers. I pray each child finds some form of joy as they come to school each day. And that they become passionate about something. It could be science, art, music, math, reading – anything. I just pray that each child is provided an environment that promotes and fosters a joyful and passionate outlook for each student.

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 NIV

Prayer for Wisdom

Kids today are faced with so much temptation and negative influence. They are susceptible to being led astray by the enemy. I pray that each child has the wisdom to discern the enemy's tactics. The wisdom to speak life instead of gossip. The wisdom to know and choose right over wrong. And the wisdom to realize and utilize the wonderful gifts God has given each one of them.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5 NIV

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17 NIV

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

 

Prayer for Compassion and Love

While some kids come from happy homes, many do not. While some kids are taught how to love, others are not. I pray that each child finds compassion for their fellow classmates in every situation. Compassion for the child who appears hungry and without lunch. Compassion for the child who comes to school dirty and unprepared. Compassion for the child who only knows gossip or hurtful words because they were never taught how to love.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christi God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10 NIV

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NIV

Prayers in Response to Bullying

Unfortunately, bullying is something most kids will face as they head back to school. I pray that they know how to put on the Armor of God so they won't take personal things that are said or done. I pray they realize that bullying isn't about them – but more often a lack of self-worth from those who are doing the bullying. Instead of lashing out, I pray they'll pray for the person inflicting emotional harm on them.

But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27-28 NIV

Back to School Prayers Matter!

The school year brings so many emotions for both mom and child. I hope you keep these back to school verses handy as the first day of school approaches. Use them to pray over your children. Speak them to your children so they can keep them in their spiritual arsenal. If you'd like to print these out to have handy, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter where you'll get access to our Printables Library where you'll find this printable reminder, along with printable coloring pages, Scripture cards and more!

While we can't be there by their side protecting them at all times, we must allow them to spread their wings a bit – knowing that we've prepared them. And knowing that by releasing them over to Him during the day that He will be right beside them.

Be sure to also read:

• The Importance of Raising a Godly Generation
• Back to School Preparations for a New School
• Making Family Time a Priority During Back to School Season
• A Special Needs Mom's Prayer for Your Child at School
• 35+ Back to School Blog Post Ideas for Christian Bloggers