Scripture for Back to School!

Sending Them Back with Scripture: Prayers for Your Students

New backpack, new shoes, new teacher, new friends, SAME GOD. Back-to-school season is here, a time of excitement, anticipation, and a little bit of nerves for both kids and parents. As you send your precious students back into the classroom, what better way to equip them than with the powerful Word of God?

These aren't just nice sentiments; they are anchors of truth, promises of protection, and guiding principles that can shape your children's hearts and minds as they navigate the challenges and joys of a new school year. Consider reading these verses with your children, discussing their meaning, and then praying them over them.

I have also provided a printable that you can print out and cut out to share these versus with your students. You can put them in their backpack, lunch boxes, or on the bathroom mirror! Get it here:

Scripture For Schoool.pdf

Download PDF • 711KB

Strength and Courage for the Unknown:

Joshua 1:9 “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 you wherever you go.”

• Pray this: "Lord, as my child steps into this new school year, I pray for strength and courage to face any challenges. Remind them, Lord, that you are always with them, in every classroom, hallway, and playground. May they not be afraid or discouraged, knowing your constant presence."

  
  

Seeking Wisdom and Understanding:

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

• Pray this: "Heavenly Father, we ask for an outpouring of your wisdom upon our children. Grant them a desire to learn, a thirst for knowledge, and the understanding to apply what they learn. May their minds be open to truth and their hearts receptive to your guidance."

  
  

Kindness and Compassion in Relationships:

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

• Pray this: "Lord Jesus, teach my child to be kind and compassionate to their classmates, teachers, and friends. Help them to be quick to forgive and to show the same grace they have received from you. May their interactions be marked by love and understanding."

  
  

God's Protection and Care:

Psalm 91:11 “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

• Pray this: "Almighty God, we thank you for your promise of protection. We ask that you would dispatch your angels to watch over our children, to guard them from harm, and to keep them safe in all their comings and goings throughout the school day."

  
  

Perseverance in the Journey:

Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

• Pray this: "Father, help my child to run the race of this school year with perseverance. May they throw off distractions, overcome obstacles, and stay focused on the goals you have for them. Grant them the strength to endure and to finish well."

  
  

Trusting God's Path:

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will show you which path to take.”

• Pray this: "Lord, we pray that our children will learn to trust in you with their whole hearts. May they not rely solely on their own understanding but seek your will in every decision and situation. Guide them on the path you have laid out for them this year."

  
  

Excellence in All Endeavors:

Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

• Pray this: "Heavenly Father, instill in my child a desire to work heartily in all they do, whether it's schoolwork, extracurricular activities, or interactions with others. May they understand that their efforts are ultimately for you and bring glory to your name."

  
  

Setting a Godly Example:

1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for other believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

• Pray this: "Lord, empower my child to be a 빛 (light) to those around them. May they set an example for their peers in their speech, their conduct, their love, their faith, and their purity. Help them to be bold in their faith and to honor you in all they do, regardless of their age."

  
  

As you pray these scriptures over and with your children, remember that you are not just reciting words; you are speaking life, truth, and God's promises into their lives. May this school year be filled with growth, learning, and the unwavering presence of our loving Father.