As we enter into a new school year, you'll definitely want to say a Back to School prayer for all the kids and teachers.
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, many kids head off to the schoolhouse where they are away from us for a significant period of each day. How do we prepare them for handling the world without us right there by their side?
Here are some powerful back-to-school prayers to pray over our students and teachers as they embark upon this new school year.
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Back to School Prayers
My daughter is heading into her Junior year of high school and 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 and getting ready for college. Excited to see her continue to bloom into such an amazing young woman.
But with the excitement also comes worry. In past years, we always worried about things like school shootings, drugs, bullying, and cyberbullying, and so much more!
But this year adds a new level of anxiety because of the current world situation. Like most parents around the country, I have to decide on whether to send her off to school or to keep her home and continue with virtual learning.
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. No matter if you are sending your kids off to school or keeping them home, these scriptures for back to school cover most of the areas of struggle our kids will face as they head back to school.
By praying these back-to-school prayers over our kids – and speaking these verses to them – they'll know they have the full armor of God with them throughout each day.
Back to School Prayer for Students
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 for their health and safety and that school administrators are able to prepare a healthy and safe environment for them to learn in.
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.
Back to School 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.
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
Father, 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.
Back to School Prayer for Wisdom
Kids today are faced with so much temptation and negative influence. They are susceptible to being led astray by the enemy. Here are 3 back to school Bible verses to pray for each child to have 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
Father, I pray for every child to have the wisdom to make good decisions and to understand right from wrong. I pray they always seek to glorify you in their words and actions and to know when the enemy is trying to trick them into something.
I pray they have control over their words and always use them to build others up and not get pulled into gossip or other types of things that the enemy may tempt them towards. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Back to School 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.
Pray these verses of Scripture over your child as they head back to school so they may show compassion and love as a reflection of Christ.
- 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
Father, I pray that each child is full of love and compassion for others. That they always seek to put others' first and to forgive, not hate, when someone does them wrong. Teach them to always love and forgive others in the same way you love and forgive them. Amen.
Back to School Prayers for Courage and Strength
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.
Kids can be easily intimidated to tackle new things. Whether it be starting a brand new school and walking into a building where they don't know anyone or maybe just fear of the next grade level and harder course.
And for those who are now learning in the online environment, they might have new fears on whether they can actually do it.
Here are some Scriptures prayers for children so 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
- 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
Father, I pray that each child knows their strength comes from You and that You give them the courage to face any obstacle they may face at school. I pray they know to come to you with their fears and anxiety and to trust you to watch over them and guide them throughout the day. Amen.
Back to School 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.
This is the perfect back-to-school Bible verse to pray over them to help them 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
Father, I pray that each child knows their full worth and identity in You. I pray they truly know that they are fearfully and wonderfully made in your image and that nothing of this world can ever make them feel less than who You say they are.
And when they begin feeling like they are less, they always remember that they are perfect in your eyes! In Jesus Name, Amen!
Back to School Prayer Against Bullying
Unfortunately, bullying is something most kids will face as they head back to school – even for those who do school from home.
This bible verse can be prayed over them – that they know how to put on the Armor of God so they won't take personal things that are said or done.
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
Father, please prepare the children to be strong and confident against the bullies they may face at school. Help them to understand that the person bullying them is lost and hurting and needs forgiveness and prayer.
I pray they are able to avoid these situations, but if they do encounter them, I pray that you are right their with them to guide them in handling the situation. Amen.
Back to School 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.
And this year, the enemy has taken on a new form that threatens their health.
These back-to-school bible verses can be prayed over your children to help keep them safe as they tackle the new school year.
Father, I pray that each child is surrounded by the full armor of God as he or she walks through the doors of school each day. I pray that they are able to avoid danger in any form and that each day.
Please keep them safe from harm and always bring them home at the end of each day. In Jesus Name, Amen.
- 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
The school year brings so many emotions for both parents and children. I hope you keep these back-to-school Bible verses handy as the new school year approaches. Use them to pray over your children.
Speak them to your children so they can keep them in their spiritual arsenal.
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.
Back to School Prayers for Teachers
Let us not forget to pray for our teachers and educators! The school year brings an entire lifestyle change from their summer routines. And the school environment has been impacted by so many changes in the past year because of the pandemic.
Our teachers and educations need our prayers so they can remain strong and be at their best for our children.
Pray these prayers for our teachers and educators to prepare them for a successful school year!
Back to School Prayers for Teachers to Be Led by the Spirit
More than anything, we want our teachers to be led by the Holy Spirit in everything they say and do throughout the day. So many of them struggle with balancing their faith with the expectations (and limitations) of a secular school environment.
Father, thank you for our amazing teachers and educators! They've devoted their lives to help bring up our next generation and I pray that they seek you out in everything they do or say.
I pray they are able to put you first and always teach from a biblical position and not a worldly one. Lord, fill them with your Holy presence so they are fully prepared to face the tactics the enemy will use against them in the school environment. Amen.
Back to School Prayers for Teachers to Have Patience
Dealing with a bunch of kids definitely requires patience! For teachers, they will have to interact with and help children from so many different backgrounds and family situations. And they will almost surely want to pull out their own hair!
Pray these back to school prays for teachers to have the patience they need to effectively teach their students throughout the day.
Father, thank you for being the ultimate teacher of all things! As we head into a new school year, I pray that you will fill our teachers and educators with a spirit of patience and understanding.
They will, no doubt, be faced with many challenges and struggles with their students. I pray you remind them of the grace you have already given them so they can pay that grace forward to their students. Amen.
Back to School Prayers for Teachers Safety and Protection
Our teachers face many dangers when they head into the classroom. Things like violent students, active shooters, and normal neighborhood crime have always been something they've faced.
But now they have the added worry of possibly risking their health because of the pandemic. Let us pray for the safety and protection of our teachers and educators this school year.
Father, thank you for giving us people with the gift of teaching our children. I ask you to wrap your arms around each one of them with an armor of protection against all threats and dangers they may face throughout the school day.
Watch over them and protect them from violence. Protect their bodies and minds from sickness. Father, keep them safe so they can be there for the students throughout the day. Amen.
Pray for a New School Year
A new school year is both fun and exhausting for both the students and the teachers. They are both embarking upon a new daily routine and facing new obstacles than they did during the summer.
We know the enemy likes to strike when we are vulnerable and this is definitely one of those times!
Pray these Back to School prayers for our students and teachers to set them up for a successful and prosperous school year!
Be sure to also share with your kids these Christian affirmations so they can enter the school year with the confidence that can only come from knowing God.
