For me, the start of the school year is an exciting fresh start, mixed with dread about the early wake up times and homework I'd soon be assigned. There's hope for the friendships I'll build and deepen, as well as worry for all the unknowns. No matter what emotions the school year brings for you, it's the perfect opportunity to reset and bring it all before the Lord, and surrender whatever the coming months have. We have the privilege and ability to cover ourselves, kids, and teachers in prayer for the next year, and we cannot underestimate how powerful that is.

I've been loving practicing praying Scripture during my time with the Lord, and I want to do that today with you. I'm going to be sharing Bible verses that you can pray over yourself, students, and teachers as we approach school starting. I'd love if you would carefully and intentionally pray along with me on your own, add your own spin to it, or use this as a starting point for finding more Scripture to pray. And if nothing else, I want you to know that I am praying over you and this upcoming year.

With all of that being said, let's dive in!

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." - Isaiah 26:3

Lord, I give you all of the chaos, busyness, and anxiety that can come along with the school year. I surrender the burdens that come along with it, and I thank You that You already know what this year has in store. I pray that You would help each person walking into a new school year to fix their mind on You, Lord, to renew their mind with truth, and meditate on Your character. Remove any fear or lies that threaten to cloud our minds and distract us, and lead us to trust in You no matter what comes our way. I pray Your perfect peace over myself, the person on the other side of the screen, teachers, and students. May this year be full of peace, contentment, and continual rest in You.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 11:24-25

Father, I pray for community over this school year. I ask that every student would be surrounded by people who lift them up, encourage them, and challenge them to learn and become the best version of themselves. I pray protection over any students who are experiencing bullying and loneliness, and that You would surround them with Your presence and love. Please help each student to find their people who make them feel included and like they belong. As they get older, Lord, I pray that You would form intentional communities of people who choose to learn about You together and spread Your love to their classmates.

I also pray over the teachers and parents, that You would surround them with people to walk alongside through this school year. May the teachers feel supported with all of the responsibilities and tasks that they have to get done, and have a team of coworkers that create a positive work environment. As parents juggle their kids homework and activities, I ask that You would give them a community to share burdens with and to encourage each other. Please help believers to remain consistent in gathering with other people who love You, and to be refreshed by those friendships.

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." - 1 Peter 3:15-16

God, as believers are sent out into the schools, I pray that You would prepare and embolden them to shine. May they not hide their light or their love for You, but show it to everyone around them. Please give them the words to respond to those who question, mock, or are curious about their beliefs. Help them to speak gently and respectfully, representing You well. Let our actions tell the story of what You've done in our lives, Jesus, and draw others closer to You. Please soften the hearts of those around us who don't know You, and allow them to be open and interested in who You are. May we be living vessels of Your work and advance Your kingdom.

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold." - Proverbs 3:13-14

Lord, thank You so much for the opportunity we have to go to school and learn. Thank You for teachers who pour into students year after year, who truly have hearts for helping them be successful people. I ask that You would prepare every student to learn, focus, and engage with the content, and make it relevant to their lives. I pray that they would learn more than just the standards, but about kindness and responsibility. Plant seeds of Your goodness and the truth about who You are in their lives, and let them realize who they are to You. May the things they learn this year multiply and continue to grow for the rest of their lives.

I also ask that as parents, teachers, and administrators work to train their kids up, that You would give them wisdom and understanding. Help them to discern how to support and love each child in the way that they need and that will help them grow the most. Lead them and support them as they navigate challenging behaviors, overwhelming schedules, and conflict.

Amen.

Just in writing this, I feel so encouraged and excited about the upcoming school year. I am confident that God is going to do big things, and I want to be part of it. I'm so thankful we have the privilege to come to the throne room and bring all of our requests, worries, desires, and praise to the King of Kings, and that He hears every word.

Do you have any specific prayer requests going into the school year? Leave them down in the commends below, and I would love to join you in prayer!